In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 24 in 2013, we present this story on some of the most quintessentially Malaysian festivals celebrated in the country.
Festivals and celebrations, like magnets, have this invisible force that magically brings people together, and no-one does heritage and culture better than Malaysia. A year-round calendar of events celebrates the best things of our nation, and each, in its own way, is proudly Malaysian. In this issue, Convergence delves into two must-attend celebrations this May and June – the International Kite Fest of Kelantan and the Gawai Dayak in Sarawak. Both of them showcase costumes, crafts, food, ceremonies and countless other quintessentially Malaysian traditions. Join us, to discover more…
Soaring the Skies of Kelantan
Just a 60-minute flight away from KL International Airport (KLIA), Kelantan is renowned for its heritage sites, scenic beaches and unique, locally made handicrafts. The capital, Kota Bharu, is an ideal destination for a last-minute getaway… and what better time to go than during the Kelantan International Kite Fest this May, when Pantai Geting Tumpat hosts an event that will send your imagination soaring.
Take a stroll down the beach and enjoy the sea breeze as you admire the wide array of kites that adorn a bright blue sky. This 5-day festival, held from the 28th to the 31st of May, is all about the joys of flying the crescent moon-shaped sky-surfer, which is synonymous with this Malaysian state.
Its a Bird, Its a Plane, Wow, Its a Wau!
The traditional Malaysian kite – the wau, has become a national symbol. Standing at 3.5 metres high and 2.5 metres wide, its size allows plenty of space for intricate motifs to be painted upon its body, which make it a sight to behold once it soars high in the air.
The wau is handcrafted in several shapes and forms, mostly inspired by life and nature. The more popular types in Malaysia are the wau bulan (moon-kite), wau kucing (cat-kite) and wau merak (peacock-kite).
Of the variations, the most symbolic one is the wau bulan (moon-kite). Its lower section is curved like a crescent moon, hence the name. When highlighted with the right colours, the wau bulan looks just like rising crescent moon when it flies.
Did You Know?
The wau bulan (moon-kite) is featured on the Malaysian 50 cent coin.
Did You Know?
The Malaysia Airlines (MAS) logo is based on the wau kucing (cat-kite).
Five Days of Fun
Fancy a flying challenge? During the festival, kite-flying competitions are organised for the competitive-spirited to participate in. Sign up for one of these competitions and show off your flying skills!
Feeling creative? If you’re the inquisitive type and have a passion for learning, get involved in kite construction and kite raising workshops. Grab this chance to learn from the masters and be acquainted with this unique art.
Indulge your tastebuds. Aside from showcasing the wau in all its glory, this festival is also a platform to draw attention to other aspects of the rich Kelantanese culture. Kelantan is well- known for its rice dishes and the accompanying spread of sides. Look out for their popular Nasi Dagang (steamed rice with side dishes of tuna curry, pickled cucumber and carrots) and Nasi Kerabu (blue-coloured rice served with salad dish and dried fish) and prep yourself for a feast! Unleash the indulgent foodie in you and feed your appetite with all the fabulous food available.
Keep your eyes peeled! Cultural shows and performances will be scheduled at intervals throughout the kite fest. Enjoy the traditional Dikir Barat dance as well as original wayang kulit performance presented by storytellers with their shadow puppets.
Take home the memories. Load up on souvenirs from a wide variety of handmade crafts and traditional trinkets available. Batik (traditional hand-painted cloth), songket (traditional hand-woven fabric), Kelantan Silver, Kelantan pottery, wood carvings, bamboo and rattan products – all uniquely Kelantanese – serve as excellent keepsakes.
Celebrating the Harvest in Sarawak
Gawai is the time of the year when the indigenous people of Sarawak come together to give thanks for a fruitful harvest. A two-hour flight from KLIA will connect you to Kuching International Airport, or alternatively you can fly to any of the domestic airports located across the vast land of Sarawak to join in with this total celebration.
Celebrated by the Dayak community comprising mainly the Iban and Bidayuh ethnic groups in Sarawak, the Gawai Dayak festival or more widely known as the Harvest Festival, falls on the 1st and 2nd of June each year, with a Carnival held later from the 27th-29th.
This is your chance to explore the wondrous land of lush rainforests, extraordinary national parks and natural resources while getting to interact with the natives as they take you into their world of gorgeous traditional costumes, inspiring ancestral ceremonies and frenzied feasting!
Did You Know?
During the Gawai festival, visitors are always greeted with a shot of Tuak (traditional rice wine) which must be drunk till the last drop as it is considered rude to refuse.
Gawai’s Astounding Charm
The true meaning of Gawai can only be felt if it is experienced firsthand! Treat your senses to an experience unlike any other and be genuinely amazed by the sights and sounds of this festival!
Sensational Sight
Take a front row seat as the Dayaks show the world their culture, tradition and heritage. Set sights on their intricately woven ethnic costumes complete with bold headgear and other colourful accessories, see the display of their various, unique traditional rituals and witness other festive activities exclusive to this colourful event.
Tantalising Taste
Gawai isn’t Gawai without a feast! Food and drinks are prepared in abundance to signify an overflowing harvest for the years to come. Grab this chance for a glass of Tuak, a local rice wine, as well as traditional cakes and cookies which are specially prepared for this occasion. Dayak dishes like ayam pansuh (chicken in bamboo) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo) should also be savoured!
An Exceptional Experience
Visitors are very welcome to join in the fun and be a part of this festive joy! Dress in the special Dayak costumes, enjoy the local music and learn the Ngajat dance steps from the locals. For the more adventurous, the shooting of traditional blowpipes and rowdy watching cockfights complete the Gawai experience.
An Indigenous Showcase
A final opportunity to discover the celebration in Sarawak is the culmination of Gawai – the Redeems Gawai Carnival. Discover the rich, authentic Dayak festival culture, tradition, food, craft, and sports in Kuching.
Held under one roof, the exclusive and world-class carnival will captivate with an exhibition of intricate traditional costumes, held in conjunction with the annual beauty pageant and a complete line-up of unique cultural shows performed by various ethnic groups from the State.
Other exciting line-ups include the traditional Ngajat dance and blowpipe-shooting competitions. A wide range of traditional and modern food, local products and handicrafts will also be available to complete the Gawai experience at this merry carnival.
Did You Know?
Traditionally, the Ngajat dance was only performed by warriors on their return from battle.
There is never a shortage of cultural celebrations and traditional festivals in Malaysia. Look forward to plenty of special moments and the excitement these unique occasions have to offer. Learn more about the magnificent historical tapestry of the country and embrace a fascinating cultural journey, just a short flight away…
