Gawai Dayak is an annual thanksgiving festival celebrated in Sarawak, Malaysia and West Kalimantan, Indonesia. In Malaysia it is observed as a public holiday and marks the end of the rice harvesting season. “Gawai” means “festival”, while “Dayak” refers to several Indigenous communities of Borneo. Celebrations often begin on the evening of 31 May and include ceremony, music, dance, poetry, feasting and community gatherings.

Event Suggestions:
• Explore Dayak harvest traditions, music and dance
• Create a display on rice cultivation and thanksgiving festivals
• Share stories about Indigenous cultures of Borneo