05/31/2023
Harvest Festival is joyous with its list of festivities. Communities gather together and have bliss while carrying out Harvest Fest activities such as
Magavau ceremony: The Kadazan word "magavau" or "maga'au", means-to recover what one has lost, by whatever means. In the yearly Ka’amatan Festivals, the Magavau Ceremony refers to the arduous task of the Bobohizans (high priestess) to search and salvage as well as to bring home the lost, stolen or strayed Bambaazon. It is in the traditional belief of the Kadazandusun that Bambaazon is embodied in every part and form of rice.
Beauty Pageant or “Unduk Ngadau”: The beauty pageant or Unduk Ngadau saught is to commemorate the spirit of Huminodun, a beautiful princess who sacrificed herself to end the suffering of the people that faced the great famine(Ismail, 2022). Contestant are expected to showcase their knowledge on their district’s richness in tradition and culture in a competition. As for the finale, there would be a overall winner as well as other honorable titles to the runner ups such as Miss Natural Beauty (Tati Topiodo), Miss Friendly (Tati Tosuau), Best Dress (Bassan Tinandai Togingo) and their newly introduced title, Miss Culture, Agrotourism and Nature.
Longhouse visits: Each member in the longhouse usually contributes a traditional food, delicacy or drink (potluck) and all members would gather around and have dinner together in the gallery of the longhouse.
Music and performances: Music and performances are considered the main event for those who celebrate Harvest Festival. From traditional performance to asli music, a crowd contribute a handful support through and out to the talented performers. Ngajat, a traditional Iban ethnic group dance, is one of the many astonishing dance performance presented during Harvest Festival.
These festivities are what keep the people coming back every year other than the feeling of belonging within the community.