State Holiday

Gawai Dayak Festival (Day 2)

State Holiday

The second day of Gawai Dayak is a continuation of the thanksgiving festivities in Sarawak. While the first day is often focused on rituals and the formal welcoming of the new season, the second day emphasizes the social bond of "Ngabang" (visiting), community sports, and the preservation of Dayak heritage through song and dance.

Traditions & Celebrations

Continued Ngabang (Visiting): Families travel further to visit relatives in neighboring longhouses or urban areas, ensuring that ties with extended kin are maintained.
Traditional Games and Sports: Many longhouses organize communal activities such as Sumpit (blowpipe) competitions, arm wrestling, and log-climbing to foster a spirit of friendly competition.
Cultural Song and Dance: The sounds of the Sape (traditional lute) and gongs continue to fill the air as residents perform the Ngajat dance for guests throughout the day.
Communal Feasting: Large batches of traditional food, including Manok Pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), continue to be prepared and shared in the communal gallery (Ruai) of the longhouse.

Upcoming Dates

Year	Date	Day	Status
2026	June 2, 2026	Tuesday	135 days