Echoes Of The Gong Kaamatan And The Soul Of Sabah

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Each year, as May draws to a close, the gentle rhythm of the gong echoes through Sabah’s valleys and hills, heralding the Kaamatan festival - a time of harvest, gratitude, and deep cultural reflection among the Kadazandusun-Murut-Rungus (KDMR) communities.
Kaamatan, traditionally held at the end of the padi harvesting season, was once a village-scale celebration to give thanks to Bambarayon, the rice spirit.
Today, while festivities are larger and more modern, the soul of the festival remains intact, especially for Christians like Mariati Bakait, an ethnic Kadazandusun who hails from Ranau.
“Kaamatan isn’t just about merrymaking. It’s about honouring the sacrifice that gave us life, like Huminodun’s,” said the school teacher, referring to the mythic maiden who gave her body to restore life to the land during a great famine.
ADS“Her story still teaches us what love and courage really mean,” Mariati tells Malaysiakini.
Before the advent of Christianity
Long before the arrival of Christianity, Kaamatan was rooted in animist beliefs.
Elders would perform rituals such as mogondi to call upon the rice spirit. Food offerings were laid out, songs sung, and thanks given to the unseen forces that brought forth the harvest.
Even then, celebration and entertainment - dancing, singing, and feasting - were part of the community’s way of life.
But when Christianity took root in Sabah, the Kaamatan festival evolved. Rituals once central to the festival were reduced or transformed, particularly when the celebrations were held in church grounds.
“The mogondi ritual, for instance, is now often performed as a cultural demonstration rather than a spiritual rite,” says Mariati.
Mariati Bakait (left) helping at a Kaamatan bazaar in Penampang, SabahAccording to her, the essence of Kaamatan - gratitude - remains unchanged.
“In the past, people gave thanks to the rice spirit. Now, we give thanks to a known God, one we believe in. The focus on gratitude stays the same,” she said.
Balancing faith and culture
Among Christian KDMR communities today, there is little conflict between faith and festival.
Traditions like the Unduk Ngadau pageant, which honours the spirit of Huminodun, are seen not as religious relics but cultural affirmations.
ADS“I don’t see the Unduk Ngadau as conflicting with my faith,” said Mariati.
“She’s a symbol of who we are - of our resilience and compassion. That identity should be celebrated, not hidden.”
Even traditional rice wine, tapai, is recognised as part of the KDMR cultural identity. But Mariati is quick to add a cautionary note.
“Enjoying tapai in moderation is fine. But the drinking shouldn’t overshadow the real meaning of the festival. It’s about unity, not just partying.”
Passing the torch
For many like Mariati, Kaamatan is also an opportunity to teach the younger generation about cultural values, from respecting the land and food, to showcasing talents through events like Sugandoi (singing competitions), traditional games, and sports.
“It’s not just about who’s the prettiest in Unduk Ngadau,” she said, adding, “There are many platforms for people to be brave, confident, and proud of who they are.”
A festival for unity
At its core, Kaamatan is about unity - a message that resonates deeply in a multicultural, multireligious Malaysia.
“Unity isn’t easy,” Mariati said thoughtfully. “But Kaamatan reminds us we are one people, with one story. Whether we are Catholic, Protestant, or traditionalist, we can still come together to honour what matters most.”
In today’s globalised world, where younger generations are pulled in many directions, Kaamatan continues to offer a cultural anchor - one that is spiritual without being exclusive, and festive without losing meaning.
“As long as we understand and live its values, Kaamatan will never be lost,” said Mariati. “It will always be a celebration of who we are.” - Mkini
JOSEPH MASILAMANY is a seasoned journalist. He is a keen observer of the cultural and spiritual landscapes around him. Rooted in community life, he engages fondly with the people of the land, capturing their voices with insight.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT

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