A day to show off Bidayuh heritage and culture

A cultural troupe from Lundu all set to perform a traditional dance at Bung Bratak Day. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

BUNG Bratak Day, a cultural festival celebrated by Sarawak’s Bidayuh community, returned after a three-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The celebration took place on May 1 at the Bidayuhs’ ancient hilltop settlement of Bung Bratak, where a heritage centre now stands, near Kampung Tembawang Sauh on the Bau-Lundu road, about 54km from Kuching.

Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said this year’s event was the biggest and best to be held so far, drawing a large crowd of local and foreign visitors to enjoy Bidayuh cultural performances, food and crafts.

“The visitors told me that they were happy and thrilled to be there. Many commented that the Bidayuh cultural dances and music were excellent.

“For foreign tourists coming for the first time, they were fascinated by the traditional costumes, colours and music,” he said.

Minos said he was happy that state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah came to launch the festival and that it was well attended by Bidayuh assemblymen and community leaders as well as fellow Bidayuhs from Lundu, Serian, rural Kuching and Bau.

“All were proud of their culture, customs, traditions and history. They also said it was good that the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre promotes and perpetuates Bidayuh heritage and culture at the ancestral home of the Bidayuhs,” he said.

Minos said Bung Bratak Day commemorates the Bidayuhs’ ancestors who lived at Bung Bratak for hundreds of years until 1841, when they started to move downhill following peace with hostile outsiders brought about by Rajah James Brooke.

“The Bung Bratak Heritage Centre is a monument to our ancestors. Bung Bratak Day every May 1 is a day of joy and happiness for us.

“We must not forget our history and heritage, as well as our culture, customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

“Bung Bratak Day is a day to portray our history and culture with pride and honour,” he said.

BBHA treasurer Rijeng Jahet said Bung Bratak – which means the peak of Bratak hill in Bidayuh – was the origin of 35 Bidayuh villages in Bau, Lundu and Kuching.

“All their ancestors came from here. In fact, if these villagers come here now they can identify which durian tree belonged to their ancestors,” he said.

Rijeng also said Bung Bratak Day was celebrated on May 1 as this was traditionally the end of the rice harvesting season.

“It is a time when people are able to relax and celebrate their good harvest. Moreover, May 1 is a public holiday, so it’s a suitable day as more people are free to visit,” he said.

The festivities included traditional dance performances by Bidayuh cultural groups from various villages, traditional games and the Bratakthon hill running competition.

There were also sales of Bidayuh food, costumes and crafts.