Gawai Dayak or the harvest festival is celebrated with ‘ngabang’, the practice of visiting close family members and friends from various races and religions.

‘Ngabang’ is unique as it brings a clear message about the importance of keeping the spirit of tolerance for the sake of unity and harmony in the state.

Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Ragad Kurdi Taib joined ‘ngabang’ by visiting the open house of Donald Lawan, the former Bukit Begunan state assemblyperson.

Abdul Taib and his wife then proceeded with ‘ngabang’ to the home of Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil at Batu Lintang.

Also present were Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem and wife Jamilah Anu, and state cabinet members.

Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu Numpang will hold his Gawai Dayak open house at Dewan Sukan Stephen Kalong Ningkan in Betong tomorrow.

The event will also be attended by Adenan and his wife.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is scheduled to attend the Gawai Dayak dinner on June 3.

The dinner is organised by the Dayak Bidayuh community via the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).

Gawai Dayak is celebrated as a sign of gratitude for the rice harvest. The Sarawak state government declares June 1 and 2 each year as public holidays.

- Bernama