The Kaamatan Festival, also known as the Harvest Festival, is an annual celebration in the Malaysian state of Sabah and other indigenous communities. It is a time of thanksgiving for a bountiful rice harvest and is deeply rooted in the traditions, spirituality, and culture of these communities.

Table of Contents

1. When is Kaamatan Festival?
2. The History of Kaamatan Festival?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Kadazan-Dusun and Murut

When is Kaamatan Festival?

Kaamatan Festival is celebrated throughout May, culminating on May 30th and 31st with grand festivities in Sabah and Labuan, Malaysia.

The following is the list of Kaamatan Festival from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Kaamatan Festival

The Kaamatan Festival is a centuries-old tradition celebrated predominantly by the indigenous communities of Sabah and Labuan, Malaysia. Its history is deeply intertwined with the agricultural, spiritual, and cultural practices of these communities, particularly their reverence for rice as a sacred crop and a source of life.

The Kaamatan Festival originated as a thanksgiving ceremony to honor Bambaazon, the spirit of rice. In Kadazan-Dusun and Murut indigenous beliefs, rice is not merely a crop but a divine gift from the rice spirit, which resides in every grain.

Early Kaamatan celebrations were deeply spiritual, involving rituals conducted by Bobohizans (priestesses or shamans). These rituals ensured the blessing of Bambaazon, protection of crops, and a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.

During British colonization, agricultural practices in Sabah evolved, but the indigenous communities preserved their traditional beliefs and rituals associated with the rice harvest.

The British recognized the significance of the Kaamatan Festival in uniting Sabah's indigenous groups and began documenting its practices.

After Sabah joined Malaysia in 1963, Kaamatan gained official recognition as a state celebration, emphasizing its importance in Sabah's cultural identity.

Today, Kaamatan has grown beyond its spiritual and agricultural origins to become a significant cultural and tourism event, drawing local and international visitors.

What Do People Do on This Day?

A sacred ritual led by the Bobohizan (high priestess) to appease and honor Bambaazon, the rice spirit. A symbolic thanksgiving ritual marking the conclusion of the harvest season.

Cultural dances like the Sumazau (graceful arm movements), Mogunatip (bamboo dance), and other indigenous dances are performed, accompanied by gong music.

Elders share myths, legends and historical tales to preserve oral traditions.

Traditional games like arm wrestling, blowpipe contests, slingshot challenges and rice-winnowing races are held during the festival.

Families and friends gather to share meals, exchange stories and strengthen social bonds. Villages organize communal celebrations with music, dancing and games.

Local and international artists perform, blending traditional and contemporary music.

The Kadazan-Dusun and Murut

The Kadazan-Dusun

The Kadazan-Dusun is the largest indigenous ethnic group in the Malaysian state of Sabah, located on the island of Borneo. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and agricultural traditions.

The term Kadazan-Dusun refers collectively to two closely related groups: the Kadazan and Dusun peoples. They share similar languages, cultural practices, and traditions, though historically lived in different regions. Kadazan live in the lowlands and Dusun live in the highlands.

Estimated at around 700,000, they are the largest indigenous group in Sabah. Traditionally animist, worshipping spirits of nature and ancestors, with rice being sacred. Today, the majority are Christian (Roman Catholic or Protestant), with a significant number practicing Islam or maintaining traditional beliefs.

Agriculture, particularly rice farming, is central to their culture and spiritual beliefs. The rice spirit, Bambaazon, is revered as a source of life and sustenance.

The Kadazan-Dusun people are politically active and contribute significantly to Sabah's leadership and development. While many Kadazan-Dusun people live in rural areas, practicing agriculture, others have moved to cities, taking up modern professions.

Murut

The Murut people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in the interior regions of Sabah, Malaysia, with smaller populations in parts of Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesia.

The name Murut means "hill people" or "people of the mountains" in their native language, reflecting their traditional settlement in hilly, forested areas. They are the third-largest indigenous group in Sabah, after the Kadazan-Dusun and Bajau.

Estimated at around 120,000 people, predominantly in the interior districts of Sabah such as Tenom, Keningau, Nabawan, and Pensiangan.

The Murut were historically swidden agriculturalists, practicing slash-and-burn farming to cultivate hill paddy (rice). Hunting and gathering in the forest were integral to their way of life, with blowpipes and spears as traditional hunting tools. While many Murut continue farming, others have transitioned to modern professions such as teaching, civil service and business.

Traditionally animist, worshiping natural spirits and ancestors. Today, many Murut are Christian (primarily Roman Catholic and Protestant), with a smaller number practicing Islam or maintaining traditional beliefs.