Dayaks are advised to be creative in organising as annual Dayak cultural festival to maintain support and interest from members of the public.

According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu, annual cultural festivals were held to attract interest from members of the public and if they were not interested it would be pointless to hold such an event.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of Gawai Dayak celebration at MJC New Township in Batu Kawa last Friday, he said organisers of such a festival would have to think of new ways to attract the crowd.

Entulu also hoped that the tradition of holding Dayak cultural festivals would be practised in all places in the state and not only confined to cities and bigger towns.

“This cultural event is a good way to show our identity. Cultural events are also good for uniting the various races in Sarawak,” he said.

Entulu also called on fellow Dayaks to find ways to promote Dayak cuisines while maintaining its authenticity.

He said those Dayaks who wanted to commercialise Dayak food and cuisine to also accept changes in order to remain relevant.

The Gawai Dayak Festival is a two-week long event jointly organised by Industrious Dayak Entrepreneurs Association (IDEA) and Iban Traditional Dance Association (Ngasi).

At the function, Entulu pledged RM30,000 for the event.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat and Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang were among those present at the function.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Matthew Umpang

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