Why do people celebrate gawai?

Gawai, or Gawai Dayak, is a harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak community in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, to mark the end of the rice harvest. It is a time for families to come together, express gratitude for the bountiful harvest, and seek blessings for future crops. The celebration includes traditional rituals, feasting, cultural performances, and social gatherings, fostering community spirit and cultural identity. Gawai typically falls on June 1st but is celebrated over several days, incorporating various customs and practices.