Harvest festival celebrated in Penang

The Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesian community of the Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) once again commemorated the traditional harvest festival with a joyous

Jun 13, 2019

By Karen S. Giom
The Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesian community of the Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) once again commemorated the traditional harvest festival with a joyous celebration at the parish this May 14. Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah and Gawai Dayak in Sarawak and West Kalimantan is celebrated each year in May and June to give thanks to God for a good harvest.

The event kicked-off at 4.30pm with the opening ceremony that showcased the traditional Bidayuh dance reflecting the lifestyle of the ethnic group who are commonly farmers. This was then followed by Kajat Ngelingi Ranyai, an Iban traditional dance which is performed outside the longhouse during the Gawai celebration. The dance was performed at the entrance of the church. Led by a dancer, usually the head of the longhouse or tuai rumah, those present and seated around the ‘ranyai’ tree were invited to cut the fruit or buah ranyai during the ngajat dance.

CDM Parish priest, Fr Martin Arlando then went on to celebrate the sunset Mass in Bahasa Malaysia. In his homily in conjunction with Vocation Sunday, Fr Martin reminded the congregation of the importance of listening and answering God’s call wherever we are or whoever we may be, regardless of our background, as the Church needs more priests and religious to carry out its mission. This was a good message to the congregation as there were at least five different ethnic groups each with their own uniqueness. We each have a different calling and can contribute accordingly to the various ministries in the Church. The produce of the harvest of Sabah and Sarawak — rice, fruits, vegetables and traditional handicrafts, were offered as a thanksgiving. At the end of the Mass, the congregation witnessed the Sumazau dance performed by the Sabahan community and Tarian Kreasi Karo Mbuah Page by the Indonesian community.

A thanksgiving dinner was held in church after the Mass. Traditional Sabah and Sarawak food such as daun ubi, sinalau, terung asam and rice wine were served. This was followed by singing, the Sumazau dance, lucky draws and traditional games. Many enthusiastically participated in this celebration. The atmosphere was truly merry as the dances and singing reminded the East Malaysians of home. This was especially meaningful and sentimental as many are not able to go back to their hometown for the festival at this time of the year.

The thanksgiving dinner ended at around 10.00pm. Sylvia Subok, the Chairlady of the BM Apostolate (BMA), expressed her deepest gratitude to Fr Martin and all those who came for their support. This event has helped them to grow both in numbers and in spirituality. She also thanked the BMA committee for their full commitment, cooperation and dedication for the many months of preparation in making the event a success.

It is so significant that this traditional celebration is observed annually in Penang to promote and celebrate diversity in the state. It is indeed not only a thanksgiving for God’s providence throughout the year but also a thanksgiving for the harmony of Malaysia, our country.

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