DALAT: The annual Kaul Festival remains an event that is clearly identifiable to the Melanau community in Mukah Division.
The one celebrated at Kampung Klid on Monday, which was graced by Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, was a spectacle that exemplified the spirit of unity among the Melanaus as well as the will to preserve the culture and tradition of the community.
The village is quite remote — one can catch a boat here and reach there in about an hour; or travel via helicopter.
At the festival, Fatimah — who is Dalat assemblywoman — also presented RM5,000 from her Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund to the village’s security and development committee (JKKK).
The Kaul Festival is celebrated at different times, according to its hosts. The celebration at Kampung Narub came a day after the one in Kampung Klid.
The next hosting venues would be Kampung Medong on New Year’s Day; Sungai Kut Muara and Sungai Ud next March; followed by Oya and Mukah town in April.
Kaul Festival began as a celebration by the Melanau Liko (pagan) before the arrival of Christianity and Islam in Sarawak — held to mark the end of the rainy season and also to welcome the fishing season.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaul Fest continues as pride, identity of Melanau community
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