Majlis Makan Tahun Kedayan (the Kedayan annual grand feast) is a festival to preserve the traditional practices of the Kedayan community in Lawas, and is one of the ceremonies performed after the rice harvest. It usually will last for three days, and this year it will be starting on 25th – 27th November 2022 to be held at Taman Awal Lawas.
This festival is held in appreciation of a bountiful rice harvest, with the expectation that it would lead to a better income in the future. Apart from being a symbol of gratitude, it also serves as a reminder to the current generation to respect and continue the hard work of the previous generation. During the festival's opening ceremony, rewards will be presented to Kedayan children who have successfully continue their studies overseas.
There will also be several competitions on the day of the event. Among them are the Kedayan language song competition, the Kedayan language storytelling competition for the children's category and the kelupis wrapping competition. Furthermore, the most anticipated event is the beauty pageant called Kapala Kapo and Kepala Bisai for women and men respectively.
The winner for the Kapala Kapo competition
Meanwhile, the Junjung (traditional house) Kedayan competition,
done collaboratively by each Kedayan village based on creativity and uniqueness, will display the community's cultures in terms of lifestyle and food. In addition, the Kedayan Song Performance and the Gulintangan Musical Instrument Competition will take place.
For those who are interested in learning more about this festival, you may contact Puan Suriyah Binti Jinin at 013-5794881.