KDCA Sabah

*State-Level Kaamatan Festival Launched In Beaufort*
BEAUFORT, May 1 (Bernama) — The Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival (Harvest Festival) was launched here today by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

The launch of the month-long festival was a joyous occasion which began with the cutting of seven stalks of padi as a symbol of honour by the Kadazandusun community to the spirit of the padi.

Musa then sounded a gong seven times followed by the ‘Magavao’ (a Kadazandusun traditional ritual in conjunction with the harvest festival) by Bobohizan (priestesses).

Earlier in his speech, Musa called on the various races of Sabah to continue practising their traditions and preserving their culture as these were the basis for peace, tranquility and comfort.

“History has proven that any race that practises and preserves their culture prevents disunity and splits,” he said.

Musa said the state’s peaceful situation should be used to propagate the various unique cultures in the state.

He said beside being a platform for racial harmony, the traditional culture of the some 30 ethnic-groups in Sabah also served as an attraction for foreign tourists.

“Considering that the Sabah Development Corridor also focusses on strengthening Sabah’s position as a popular tourist attraction, I believe our cultural heritage can act as tourist drawing factor,” he said.

–BERNAMA