Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Over 50,000 throng Mukah to celebrate Kaul Festival

THE just-concluded nine-day Kaul Festival (Pesta Kaul) 2010 in the coastal town of Mukah in Sibu was a big hit among locals and tourists alike.

No fewer than 50,000 people participated in this festival of the Melanau community at the main celebration site in Kala Dana beach. The event started on April 17 and ended on April 25.

The Kaul Festival is an annual event unique to the Melanaus. It is held either in March or April and highlights the many facets of the Melanau community.

Traditionally, it is thanksgiving festival to appease the spirits of the farms, forests, land and sea.

The Melanaus express their gratitude to the spirits for keeping them safe throughout the monsoon season and make known their desire for a bountiful catch on fishing journeys.

In modern times, however, it is a celebration of harmonious existence and cultural appreciation.

This colourful beach festival, which has been in the Sarawak tourism calendar for many years, is one of the main attractions of the state.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Over 50,000 throng Mukah to celebrate Kaul Festival
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