BELAGA: Kayan culture and traditions must be preserved through various local activities, including festivals like the Do Ledoh Festival 2024.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Liwan Lagang emphasised the importance of such festivals for community bonding and for younger generations to learn about Kayan customs and culture.

“This festival benefits the community by promoting mutual help and cooperation among the Belaga community, regardless of ethnicity or religion, and by acknowledging other community festivals,” he said during the Inauguration Ceremony of the Belaga District Do Ledoh Festival 2024 at Uma Kahei, Long Mekero, Belaga on Friday. 

The Do Ledoh Festival is celebrated by the Kayan ethnic group after the paddy harvesting season as a sign of gratitude.

The festival, held from July 5 to 6, was organised by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Uma Kahei in collaboration with the Belaga District Office. 

The event featured various activities, including traditional sports, dance competitions, traditional attire contests, exhibitions, and a showcase on paddy cultivation.

Also present were Datuk Liwan’s wife, Datin Rosnie Bilang, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Thomas Balan Bang,  Acting District Officer of Belaga, Bidah Lujah, Station Manager of Bakun HEP, Encharang,  Chief of Uma Kahei, Tijan Hendrick Hang, and other honoured guests. -UKASnews