The beautiful tales from the Land Below The Wind, the state of Sabah in North Borneo is referred to has many to offer. One of the many you would impressed with is the magical scenery it has to offer from the mountainous skyline and clear crystal blue ocean. (Fact: You have not visited Sabah if you don’t know the highest peak in Southeast Asia is here and one of the world’s best places to dive).
With at least 33 ethnic groups and over 80 ethnic dialects, Sabah is a destination that offers just more than that. The largest ethnic group is known as the Kadazan-Dusun make up at least 30% of the state population – and every year in May, it is the most awaited season as everyone celebrates Kaamatan Festival!
What is Kaamatan?
It is a harvest festival celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusuns, as well as all related ethnic groups. The celebration is in honour of the spirit of the paddy after a year’s harvest. The celebration is a month-long one but builds up towards the end of the month, which are the official dates of the festival.
So what happens during this whole month of celebration?
The harvest celebration comes under the practice of Momolianism – which is a belief system of the Kadazan-Dusun people where the land is a gift from the creator, the earth is a centre of the universe, and that the land connects them to the past, present and future. To make the celebration more fascinating to this day, you will witness cultural performances like the Sumazau, a singing contest called the Sugandoi along with arts and crafts plus culturally related performances and exhibitions. But the key highlight here is the annual beauty contest called the Unduk Ngadau.
What is Unduk Ngadau?
It is a beauty pageant to commemorate the spirit of Huminodun, the mythological maiden who has the total beauty of the heart, mind, and soul. The name itself derives from the phrase runduk tadau meaning the girl crowned by the sunlight.
The competition was known as Miss Kadazan (1960-70), Miss Harvest Festival (1971-1980), Ratu Pesta Menuai (1981-86) and until it was cemented as the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan in 1987.
Some of the notable winners include:
Image Credits: Unduk Ngadau Official Facebook
Like the saying goes, Sumandak Sabah mana kau mau cari? Oh well, get inspired to be as beautiful inside and out like these amazing Unduk Ngadau – you know where is your pitstop, obviously Watsons Malaysia, the number health & beauty retailer that provides you everything and anything to groom!
