Culture

4 things to know about Pesta Kaamatan, Sabah’s harvest festival

Celebrating the land’s harvest

27.05.2024

By Amanda Fung

FEATURED PHOTO BY CEPHOTO, UWE ARANAS | @mjnative_ & @sceih / INSTAGRAM
4 things to know about Pesta Kaamatan, Sabah’s harvest festival

Celebrated over the month of May, Pesta Kaamatan is a form of a harvest festival in the state of Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan. Mainly observed by the Kadazandusun population, Pesta Kaamatan is also honoured by other related ethnic groups in Sabah. Though the festival begins at the start of the month, they end with a two-day public holiday and a grand finale celebration on 30 and 31 May to allow for the entire state and territory to participate in its festivities. Here are some quick facts to know about Pesta Kaamatan. 

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

 

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The celebration is also known as Tadau Kaamatan by locals. The word Kaamatan is derived from the Kadazandusun term for “harvest”, tomot. It specifically refers to the process of rice harvesting that requires the use of tools such as sickles.

 

WHY IS PESTA KAAMATAN CELEBRATED?

Today, Pesta Kaamatan is seen as a period of thanksgiving for the bounty of the land that also marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is rooted in a historical belief in the Momolian religious system that honours the rice spirit called Bambaazon and thanks Kinoingang—the God—for an abundant harvest. On top of that, it also aims to establish new friendships and relationships, while also strengthening existing ones.

 

WHAT IS THE HISTORY BEHIND THE FESTIVAL?

According to the Momolian religious system, Kinoingan and his wife, Suminundu, sacrified their only daughter Huminodun to save and feed the Kadazandusun people during a famine and drought. He sowed the various parts of her body across the land like seeds and eventually, rice paddies grew. 

It is believed that part of Huminodun’s body spirit is embodied within the rice. This said spirit is known as Bambaazon, which protected the rice crops from dangers such as floods and continued to feed the people. As such, the Kadazandusun aim to keep the Bambaazon happy with their celebrations and ceremonies.

 

HOW IS PESTA KAAMATAN CELEBRATED?

 

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It calls for joyous get-togethers and feasts with traditional foods. On dining tables, you might spot local favourites such as tapai (fermented glutinous rice or tapioca), butod (sago grub), and hinava (raw fish cured in lime juice, sliced shallots, chillies, and grated ginger). Not to mention, representatives from the different districts show up to celebrations in traditional wear. Throughout the festival, Bobohizan (high priestess) will also lead ceremonies in the early mornings for a bountiful harvest in the next season. 

 

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During celebrations, there will also be traditional dance performances such as Sumazau and Magunatip. The former is a traditional folk dance inspired by the flight patterns of eagles. Meanwhile, the latter is a dance that farmers perform to worship spirits, prevent crop disease, and convey gratitude for planting and harvesting rice. Also included in the festivities is a singing contest, arts and crafts events, folk sport competitions, musical performances, and more. A highlight of Pesta Kaamatan is the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Beauty Queen pageant), which honours the all-encompassing beauty that Huminodun embodies. 

 

 

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