As the nation joyously celebrates the 77th birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the atmosphere is filled with exuberance and enthusiasm.
Numerous agencies and groups have proactively come forward to enhance and amplify the significance of this occasion.
The collective efforts of these organisations have added an extra layer of liveliness and splendour to the festivities, making this commemoration even more remarkable and memorable for the entire nation. An eagerly awaited opportunity during this celebration is the gerai perayaan, which has lived up to its reputation by offering a multitude of booths and stalls strategically placed throughout the nation.
These vibrant setups not only add to the festive ambiance but also provide a diverse range of attractions for the public to enjoy. Moreover, the nightly stage performances have proven to be an absolute delight for the enthusiastic crowds, captivating their hearts with engaging acts and entertainment.
This captivating combination of interactive booths and captivating stage shows ensure that the gerai perayaan remains a constant favourite, leaving the festive spirit brimming with excitement and joy.
In the Belait District, these nightly stage performances and gerai perayaan are held at the surrounding premises of Tudung Saji, Kuala Belait.
The nightly stage performance being the venue’s centrepiece, comes to life with a vibrant showcase of diverse performances, catering to various tastes and interests. These captivating acts span a wide spectrum, from culturally enriched traditional displays to insightful religious forums.
Each performance, in its own unique way, contributes to the overall atmosphere of the celebration, infusing it with a deeper sense of liveliness and meaning.
Through this diverse array of performances, the Gerai Perayaan elevates the celebrations, cre-ating an unforgettable experience that resonates with the hearts of all attendees.
One particular evening that garnered a significant crowd’s attention was the Traditional Dress Competition, marking the opening act of the gerai perayaan.
Expertly organised by the Belait District Youth and Sports Department, the competition served as a platform to exhibit the ever-evolving traditional attire, not only within the nation but also across the globe, symbolising a profound connection to our rich cultural heritage.
As participants adorned themselves in the resplendent traditional dresses, the stage came alive with a vibrant tapestry of colours, fabrics, and intricate designs.
The event’s purpose extended beyond mere exhibition, as it celebrated the cultural legacy that has transcended generations and continues to flourish in contemporary times.
The competition’s significance reached beyond national borders, as it resonated with cultures worldwide, acknowledging the universality of preserving and cherishing one’s heritage.
Witnessing the timeless beauty and diversity of traditional clothing from different regions served as a reminder of the shared human experience, bridging gaps and fostering mutual respect among diverse communities.
These vibrant intricately designed traditional dresses were also an opportunity to embody the identity, and tell stories of yesteryears passed down for generations.
One such group participating in the competition in showcasing the diverse cultural and traditional clothing worn by ancestors of the nation was Warisan Budaya 2011 run by a small group of youth passionate about the intricately designed garments.
“We were able to showcase three contemporary dresses based on the Malay and Iban culture and heritage,” explained Owner and designer of the group Abdul Hizami Shatibi bin Haji Jainidi.
One of which was based on traditional clothing worn by Brunei Malay ethnic women working in the rice field, explaining that, “The inspiration behind this dress is based on how in the past, we were dependent on farming.
“We took inspiration from the past and designed the costume to make it more contemporary while having roots in our ancestors such as having the headscarf.”
Another dress based on the Malay Brunei ethnic is one depicting a male warrior or Pahlawan.
“In the past, Pahlawans would be clad in basic cloth. We took that idea and made it more colourful with the addition of songket material as well as other appropriate accessories to go along with it.”
The designer also shared how one of the more intricately designed dresses is based on the traditional Iban community.
“This costume (based on the traditional Iban community) is what we call Batang Rajang.”
The Batang Rajang clothing is a vibrant and culturally rich traditional attire worn by the Iban people, an indigenous community from Sarawak, Malaysia.
Adorned with intricate motifs and bright colours, the clothing reflects the Iban’s deep connection with their natural surroundings and spiritual beliefs.
Abdul Hizami also added that while they were able to maintain most of the traditional accessories, they also created a contemporary twist with the dress. These dresses based on traditions and cultures of the nation wowed the crowds that night and serves to not only highlight the heritage but also nation’s help further showcase the contemporary fusion of past and modern that are a joy to view and appreciate for all ages. – Daniel Lim
