MUKAH: Mukah is ready to host Pesta Kaul, the biggest and grandest annual Melanau festival after months of preparation.
Centred at the beautiful and scenic Kala Dana beachfront, the festival will not only showcase the Melanaus’ unique cultures and traditions but also the traditions and customs of other local communities as well as promoting business and trade activities.
It will also become a venue to disseminate current information on government programmes and policies aimed at improving the people’s income and well-being as well as to preserve and safeguard a united and harmonious multi-racial society.
The festival this year will kick off with a traditional ritual at Tugek, Kala Dana beach today.
Led by the local Melanau leaders and elders, this traditional ritual will be performed in accordance with the Kaul celebrated by their ancestors in the olden days before they embraced Islam, Christianity and other religions which came later.
The’Kaul Ritual’ is made possible with the completion of ‘serahang’ by expert weavers. This decorative ‘serahang’ is an important component of the ritual as it is used to place all offerings for their gods called ‘Ipuk’, in return for good health and personal safety.
This will be followed by a grand official opening ceremony to be officiated at by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud tomorrow morning.
This ceremony which will feature a ‘serahang’ parade by Melanau leaders and elders as well as a cultural and heritage parade showcasing the unique Melanau traditions and cultures.
Continue reading (incl. Pic) at: Mukah all set for Pesta Kaul
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