Malaysia Public Holiday
Malaysia Public Holiday
1
JUN
Tuesday
Date
June 1, 2027
Type
State Holiday
Observed By
Sarawak
State Holiday

Gawai Dayak Festival

Last updated: Sep 9, 2026

Gawai Dayak Festival falls on Monday, June 1, 2026 and Tuesday, June 1, 2027. It is a public holiday in Sarawak.

State Holiday

Gawai Dayak is a major festival celebrated annually in Sarawak by the Dayak people, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, and others. It marks the end of the harvesting season and serves as a day of thanksgiving to the gods and spirits for a bountiful harvest and a prayer for a successful farming season ahead.

Source: Cabinet Division, Prime Minister's Department, Malaysia Government Portal and state government announcements.

Traditions & Celebrations

  • Longhouse Rituals: The celebration often begins at longhouses with rituals like Muai Antu Ruai to cast out bad spirits and Ngalu Petara to welcome the spirit of the harvest.
  • Ngabang (Visiting): A central tradition where people open their homes and longhouses to friends, neighbors, and tourists to feast and socialize together.
  • Traditional Performances: Celebrants perform the Ngajat dance, characterized by graceful and warrior-like movements, accompanied by rhythmic gong music.
  • Tuak and Traditional Feasts: Guests are offered Tuak (traditional rice wine) and a variety of traditional foods such as Lemang (bamboo rice) and various Sarawakian cakes.
  • Competitions and Pageants: The festival often features traditional games like blowpipe (Sumpit) shooting and the "Kumang Gawai" beauty pageant.

Upcoming Dates

YearDateDayStatus
2026June 1, 2026MondayPassed
2027June 1, 2027Tuesday232 days

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