PSJD celebrates 'Adau Gayoh 2012'

THE Pakatan Sang Jati Dusun (PSJD) association yesterday organised a gathering for members of the Dusun community in Tutong to celebrate the Adau Gayoh festival.

The event took place at the Bukit Beruang Sixth Form Centre hall in the Tutong District. Present as the guest of honour was Tutong district representative to the Legislative Council (LegCo), Yang Berhormat Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Hj Othman Uking.

To start off the event, a speech was delivered by chairperson of the event, Eyad Samhan Nyawa. In his speech, Eyad Samhan said that 2012 Adau Gayoh celebration organised by PSJD is themed Era Palasat Mamagun.

Era Palasat Mamagun is loosely translated as Pendidikan Mantap Bernegara, said Eyad Samhan. He explained that the theme is to remind the Dusun community in Brunei that education is very important in strengthening the spirit of nationality.

Eyad Samhan further explained that the cultural performances that will take place at the Adau Gayoh festival and the performances are to promote elements of the Dusun culture such as the Dusun language and folklore stories that are becoming endangered.

At the end of the chairperson's speech, the event continued with the guest of honour's speech. YB Hj Othman in his speech said that the theme chosen for the PSJD Adau Gayoh festival goes in line with PSJD's vision to remind people about the importance of preserving the uniqueness of native languages such as the Dusun language.

"This is very important because without any initiatives to preserve the languages, the language and culture itself would be put under threat," said YB Hj Othman.

After the speech, YB Hj Othman was invited to officially open the PSJD Adau Gayoh festival. During the event traditional Dusun dances were performed which were accompanied by traditional Dusun music.

Among the performances that took place were the Dendang Adau Gayoh, Tukulan and Ngirang.

An exhibition had also been organised by the PSJD at the Adau Gayoh festival displaying posters and booklets that carry information about Dusun culture and Adau Gayoh festival.

The Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kampung Bukit, Tutong had also organised an event to celebrate Adau Gayoh.

The event took place at the Kampung Bukit Multipurpose Hall. Present as the guest of honour was the Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Hj Matussin Orang Kaya Sura Hj Tuba.

Also present was Acting Tutong District Officer Hj Muhammad Suffian Hj Bungsu.

In the programme book of the event, it was explained that the Adau Gayoh is traditionally an event celebrated by the Dusun at the end the season where padi harvested.

The Adau Gayoh festival organised by the Kampung Bukit MPK was aimed at strengthening ties among members of the community and to unite people in the Kampung Bukit and surrounding areas along with their families.

The event was also to create more awareness so that the public understands better the Dusun culture and to show appreciation towards Dusun culture.

Among the activities that took place were a tug-of-war competition, remote control car show and handicrafts exhibition.

There was also a prize presentation ceremony where tokens of appreciation were given away to senior citizens who have contributed to the community.

The Brunei Times