Main image via FeedYeti
Ask anybody and they will tell you that Malaysia is a country of delicious food and public holidays aplenty. And yes, we wholeheartedly agree! In fact, a quick look at worldatlas.com reveals that Malaysia is ranked number 7 in a list of countries with the most public holidays.
But all these time-off is a testament to how much we recognise and value the significance of all the different cultures and backgrounds that make up Malaysia’s cultural landscape, and how much we want to celebrate them.
With that said, here are 5 must-do’s as we approach the celebration of Gawai…
#1 Dress up!
Image via YouTube
If there’s ever a time to not be coy about dressing extravagantly, it’s during Gawai! So, show off your spirit of festivity and how proud you are to be a part of this celebration by donning your most elaborate and colourful traditional costume! Remember, you won’t feel the part if you don’t look the part. Plus, when else are you gonna wear them, right?
#2 Feast on the tastiest treats you’ve ever tasted
Image via @kuching_borneo/twitter
No celebration is complete without some celebratory food, and Gawai is the best time to whip up some sweet, sweet treats such as kuih sarang semut, kuih sepit, kuih Jala, and kuih penganan (pictured above).
Here’s a simple recipe on how to make yourself some kuih penganan courtesy of Sarawakiana@2:
- Step 1: Mix 1 cup of plain flour with 1 cup of rice flour together with ½ cup of sugar and mix evenly.
- Step 2: Melt 1 cup of gula apong or gula melaka in 2 cups of warm water.
- Step 3: Make the batter by mixing the results of Step 1 and Step 2 and let it sit over night (preferably).
- Step 4: Partially deep fry the batter from Step 3 in wok with a deep base. Turn over once slightly brown on side to fry the other side.
Image via Butterkicap
If you’re in the mood for something savoury, then there’s something for you too! Perhaps the most mouth-watering of them all is manok pansoh, a delicious chicken dish cooked over an open fire in a bamboo log.
#3 Mingle!
Image via Cuti-Cuti Malaysia
Much like other celebrations in Malaysia, Gawai is a time of visitation, so get out there and visit your friends, family, and neighbours! You may also be offered tuak, a traditional welcome drink that is usually offered to guest visiting a longhouse.
#4 Move those feet! Or at least watch people move them
Image dc3awards
You will never fully experience Gawai unless you’ve participated in or watched a performance of the traditional dance, Ngajat!
It’s not just the dance moves that are captivating, it’s also the costumes that usually consist of large feathers, an ornate long shield, and a loincloth called cawat for the men, and elaborate headdress, chains, beads, and an intricately woven dress for the women.
#5 Be with family
Image via Asian Inspirations
Treats and laughter will not truly satisfy if not shared with a loved one during time of celebration. So, this Gawai, make your way home to the people that matters the most in the world with AirAsia, the airline that harvest a generation of champions!
Book a flight now at www.airasia.com.