Adau Gayoh is an important festivity for the Dusun community. It not only symbolises blessing for the harvested paddy crops but also fosters closer ties at mukim and village levels. It fosters togetherness and national identity as well as provide exposure and knowledge to the young generation on the Sultanate’s cultural heritage, said Acting Tutong District Officer Muhammad Usamah bin Haji Sarbini at the launch of the National Adau Gayoh Festival 2024 at the Tutong District’s Community Hall Complex yesterday.
“Adau Gayoh is evidence of the beauty and wealth of Brunei’s cultural heritage. The festival showcases the uniqueness of tradition, food, music, dance and clothes that reflect the Dusun community’s identity,” said Muhammad Usamah.
Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Abdul Walid bin Haji Matassan, representing Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, and Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, as representative of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, officiated the event themed ‘Membuka Dulang Pagar’.
Among the traditional performances showcased were Dodoi Adau Gayoh, Penakod Dulang Pagar and Adau Gayoh songs. Guests, including Legislative Council and diplomatic corps members, visited an exhibition of traditional tools used by the Dusun community.
The opening ceremony concluded with a Dusun-style tea break.
The two-day event is organised by the Tutong District Office with the Tutong District Mukim and Village Consultative Council. – James Kon
