Sri Aman Gawai Bazaar Carnival 2026 To Boost Community Economy, Celebrate Dayak Heritage
SIMANGGANG: The organising of the Sri Aman Gawai Bazaar Carnival 2026 by the Simanggang Iban Ngepan Enthusiasts Club serves as a catalyst for local community economic growth while strengthening the cultural appreciation of the Dayak community ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1.
The carnival, planned to run for 10 days at the Sri Aman Mini Stadium grounds at the end of April, will provide 150 bazaar lots for local traders, opening up income-generating opportunities and stimulating entrepreneurial activities.
Club Chairman Samy Nyarapong said out of that total, 20 lots are specifically allocated for the sale of halal products, while the remainder involves various categories including food, beverages, handicrafts, and clothing.
“Organising this bazaar not only enlivens the Gawai celebration but also serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs to promote their respective products. The proposed operating hours are from 10am to 12am,” he said when contacted.
According to him, the official dates for the event will be finalized in a follow-up meeting in the middle of this month.
The carnival will feature various cultural programs such as Pekit Gendang Pampat, the Keling/Kumang contest for children under 12, Pekit Baju Kebaya, Karaoke competitions, Pekit Bemukun, and the Pekit Minum Ai Tuak (Tuak drinking competition).
To add to the excitement, renowned Iban artists such as Maxwell Franklin Saran and Ricky Andrewson Ngalai are expected to perform throughout the carnival.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis is expected to officiate the carnival on May 15.
Samy also informed that the carnival is hoped to introduce the identity of the Dayak community to the public and strengthen inter-ethnic unity in Sri Aman.
Previously, the club held a meeting with the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, in Kuching to present the working paper and seek views on improving the implementation of the programme. — UKASnews
