But for former Sarawak Customs Council research assistant Philip Igai, the celebrations today feel different from the ones he remembers growing up with in the 1960s and ’70s.
Back then, he said, Gawai was closely tied to rituals and customs led by elders – traditions that have gradually become less common over the years.
“There used to be more traditional elements such as Gawai Umai and Gawai Tuah, which involved elders and various customary rituals,” he told Bernama.
“The elders played a major role in managing the ceremonies. Today, many of these practices are becoming increasingly rare and are hardly carried out anymore.”
Philip, 76, believes one reason for the changes is the shift in religious beliefs within the Dayak community over the decades, particularly after many embraced Christianity.
Still, he said, Hari Gawai continues to hold deep meaning for the community across Sarawak, which comprises nearly 30 ethnic groups.
While some older customs may have faded, the celebration remains closely tied to identity, family and togetherness, he said.
Still, many longhouse organising committees are finding new ways to keep younger generations involved. Sepak takraw and futsal competitions have become popular additions to Gawai celebrations, while karaoke programmes often draw lively crowds late into the night.
“In Betong, there are clubs and associations helping younger generations learn traditional cultural arts,” Philip said.
Long before Gawai Dayak was officially recognised, different Dayak communities celebrated their own harvest festivals according to local customs and traditions as a way of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.
Following the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Sarawak’s first chief minister, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, agreed for the festival to be gazetted, with the first official Gawai Day celebration held on June 1, 1965.
Family and festivity
In many longhouses, preparations for Gawai often begin days earlier, with meetings held to organise responsibilities among residents.
By May 30, families are usually busy preparing traditional dishes, slaughtering chickens and cooking ahead of the celebration.
On the morning of May 31, mats are laid along the ruai as a sign that Gawai has officially begun, while some residents also take the opportunity to visit family graves.
As night falls, the longhouse slowly fills with the sound of the gendang rayah, the ceremonial drum traditionally played during Gawai celebrations.
Residents dressed in traditional attire gather for the berayah ceremony, walking through the ruai carrying parangs as a symbol of custom and heritage.
Then, as midnight approaches, the tuai gawai or Gawai chief delivers a speech before residents welcome the new Gawai year together.
“At exactly midnight on June 1, everyone drinks air pengayu before shaking hands with one another as a gesture of forgiveness,” Philip said.
For many Dayaks, it is these quiet traditions, passed down through generations, that continue to give Gawai its deepest meaning.