Sikie strikes a gong to launch the Iban cultural night while other invited guests looks on.
KUCHING (June 22): Operators are enjoying brisk business at the Gawai Bazaar with customers responding well to both food and handicraft stalls, said Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
The Minister in the Premier’s Department said the bazaar at the Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Dewan Masyarakat, which will run until June 25, involved 84 halal food stalls, 64 non-halal food stalls, 30 handicraft stalls, and 20 stalls selling miscellaneous items.
“I feel that the businesses here are satisfied with the response as there are a lot of people who come here to spend,” he told reporters after officiating at bazaar’s Iban cultural night last night.
Sikie said the cultural night, which included performances and other cultural showcases from the Iban community, was part of the bazaar’s activities, which also included Bidayuh and Orang Ulu cultural nights.
The ngajat pua kumbu was among the performances.
Last night’s cultural performances included a miring ceremony, ngajat indu ngalu temuai, kuntau performance, taboh belikan, ngajat ngayau, pantun puji, ngajat lesung, and ngajat pua kumbu.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan is scheduled to close the bazaar on June 25.
Among those present at the event last night were Premier of Sarawak’s Office advisor Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, who is also Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president, Snowdan, and Education, Innovation and Talent Development II Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
