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Keeping Sarawak's Bermukun culture alive

MUKAH: The Mukah division’s Bermukun Festival reflects the commitment of the various communities in Sarawak to preserve and prevent their cultural traditions from disappearing.

Bermukun is celebrated by the Malays, Kedayans and Melanaus.

It usually involves singing, dancing and recital of pantun (verses) accompanied by drums.

On some occasions, bermukun performances are accompanied by a violin or accordion.

State Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the festival was aimed at promoting the state’s many cultures and keeping them alive among the younger generation.

“Bermukun reflects the civilisation of people in the state. The age-old cultural art also promotes good behaviour and politeness, which can be observed in bermukun performances.

“The traditional culture also fosters closer ties among the diverse communities, which subsequently strengthens unity among people in the state,” said Fatimah, after attending the Bermukun Festival at Oya Square Laman Solidarity here last night.

Bermukun comprises three main parts — mak gendang or seh gendang (drummer), bertanjak (dancing), and a pantun session.

In bermukun, four women will sit behind the curtain as mak gendang and drum a rhythm followed by six men taking turns to dance before the session of “selling” and “buying” pantun commences to the beat of the drum.

Nowadays, Bermukun is only seen during weddings or as a form of entertainment during official ceremonies, especially in the northern regions of the state, Sabah and also Brunei.

Fatimah said she was overwhelmed by the turnout at the festival, which also offered spots for traders to sell their wares.

“Those who attended the event not only came from Mukah, but also Bintulu, Limbang and as far as Brunei,” she added.

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