Hari Gawai 2026, 2027

Hari Gawai, also known as Gawai Dayak, is an important cultural festival celebrated mainly by the Dayak communities in Sarawak. The festival marks the end of the rice harvesting season and serves as a time to give thanks for a successful harvest, seek blessings for the coming year, and strengthen community ties. Hari Gawai is deeply rooted in Sarawak’s indigenous traditions and remains one of the state’s most meaningful annual celebrations.

Previous Years

In 2026, Hari Gawai is celebrated on 1 and 2 June, as it is each year. These dates are officially gazetted as public holidays in Sarawak, allowing communities across the state to take part in the festivities.

Is Hari Gawai a Public Holiday in Malaysia?

Hari Gawai is recognised as a public holiday in Sarawak. The celebration spans two days, with 1 June and 2 June observed as official public holidays throughout the state.

On these days, government offices, schools, and many businesses in Sarawak are closed or operate on reduced hours. In other parts of Malaysia, Hari Gawai is not a public holiday and is treated as a normal working day.

Because Hari Gawai is a state-specific holiday, it is advisable to check the Sarawak public holiday calendar for 2026 when planning work schedules, school activities, or travel.

The Meaning and Significance of Hari Gawai

Hari Gawai holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the Dayak people, including the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities. Traditionally, the festival was held to honour the spirits believed to protect crops and ensure prosperity for the next farming season.

Beyond agriculture, Hari Gawai symbolises gratitude, renewal, unity, and respect for ancestral customs. It reflects the close relationship between the Dayak communities, nature, and their cultural heritage. Despite modern changes in lifestyle, the festival continues to play a vital role in preserving Sarawak’s indigenous identity.

How Hari Gawai Is Celebrated

Hari Gawai celebrations usually begin on the eve of 1 June, with traditional ceremonies held in longhouses and homes. These may include rituals, prayers, and offerings to mark the end of the farming year and the beginning of a new cycle.

During the festival, families wear traditional attire, prepare local dishes, and host open houses, welcoming relatives, friends, and visitors. Cultural performances such as traditional dances, music, and storytelling are commonly featured, creating a festive and communal atmosphere.

One of the defining aspects of Hari Gawai is its strong emphasis on togetherness. The celebration brings communities together across generations, reinforcing social bonds and cultural continuity.

Work Arrangements and Public Holiday Practices

When Hari Gawai falls on a weekday, both days are observed as public holidays in Sarawak. If the dates coincide with a weekend, replacement holiday arrangements depend on official state guidelines for the year.

Essential services, retail outlets, and hospitality businesses may continue operating, especially in urban and tourist areas. Employees required to work during Hari Gawai are subject to labour regulations and employer policies regarding public holidays.

Why Hari Gawai Matters for Planning

Hari Gawai is one of Sarawak’s busiest festive periods, often involving travel back to hometowns, large family gatherings, and cultural events. As a result, transportation, accommodation, and public services may experience higher demand.

Knowing when Hari Gawai falls in 2026 helps individuals and businesses plan leave, travel, and operations more effectively—particularly for those living in or travelling to Sarawak.

For the most accurate information, it is recommended to refer to official Sarawak public holiday listings and state announcements for 2026 and Public Holidays Malaysia for 2026, or refer to the School Holidays Malaysia for 2026, as details are confirmed by state authorities each year.