MELAKA: The ‘Ngiling Bidai’ (mat rolling up) ceremony is part of the Dayak culture that should be held regularly in Melaka to attract more tourists, said Deputy Tourism, River, Beach and Island Development committee chairman Datuk Ghazale Muhamad.
“I am proud to see such festival held here as it showcases how colourful Malaysia is with its rich culture,” he said during the Ngiling Bidai ceremony held in Mini Malaysia, Ayer Keroh here today.
As the only cultural village that promotes the various cultures in Malaysia, Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park is strongly committed to organise celebrations in accordance with the customs of each Malaysian.
The Ngiling Bidai ceremony is to mark the end of the Gawai Dayak festival and it was held in Mini Malaysia for the first time by several Dayak members from the community.
Activities which took place apart from the Ngiling Bidai, were the ‘Ngetas Ranyai’, traditional food spread and traditional dance performances.
A 22-year-old local student, Natalie Paul, who attended the event, was amazed by the traditions and costumes of the Dayaks.
“Their costumes are so colourful and the food is amazing as well.
“This is my first time joining the celebration and it is filled with culture, where it teaches people to hold on to their ancestor’s traditions,” she said.
