Gawai Carnival Redeems

by Sebanaku Sarawak

BAU: Strong sentiment on existing structures including a "Baruk", which is a Bidayuh traditional round head house, at the Redeems Community Center is expected to be THE pulling factor to get the crowd for the coming 5th Gawai Carnival Redeems (June 25th - 27) this year.

If the last year's figure is at 10,000, then it is estimated that the crowd would be more than that this year.

This year, the Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak Association (Redeems) deliberately decided to have the carnival to be held at the center as the association wants the crowd, especially the Bidayuhs, to look at the center for the last time before it is to be demolished.

The Redeems president Datuk Peter Nansian said the demolition works would start sometime in June this year and the new center, which - among others - will have squash courts and a multipurpose hall that can accommodate more than 100 tables at one time, will be ready for the next year's Gawai celebration.

Nansian is determined to get the center to be completed on schedule as he hopes that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would agree to grace the official opening of the celebration.

For this year carnival, the VVIP is Najib's deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin who will officiate the carnival on June 26th at 8:00pm.

There are many activities to be held during the carnival such as Kumang Gawai, cultural show (which is going to be performed by 'real' Bidayuh lasses) and sporting events.

The visitors are welcomed to visit the longhouse in the center to enjoy the hospitality of the residents.

For more informationon Redeems and the carnival, please visit the association's website at http://www.redeems.my.