Ka'amatan

The word Ka'amatan is derived from the root word 'tomot', a Kadazandusun term for harvest. Thus, Ka'amatan refers to the paddy-harvesting period, which involves a series of traditional rituals culminating finally to the Ka'amatan Festival.

Over the years, the Ka'amatan Festival has evolved and transformed into an epitome expression of the multi-cultural souls of the indigenous peoples of Sabah. Through the month of May, Ka'amatan celebrations are held annually at the family, village, district and State levels.

Kota Kinabaly City Tadau Ka'amatan Carnival 2009 will be held 14-16 May 2009 at Lintasan Deasoka (Gaya Street), Kota Kinabalu. The 3 days district level celebrations is organized by the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and activities are planned.

14 May 2009 (Day One)

6.00 pm - Food and handicraft stalls open at Gaya Street

7.40 pm - Opening Ceremony by Y.B. Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment

- Magavau Ceremony (Ritual to Restore Bambaazon - The Spirit of Rice)

- Choir

- Traditional Dance Performance by Sabah Tourism Board

- Singing Performances

- Visit to Rungus Traditional House

- Fireworks display

- Special appearance by Unduk Ngadau (Beauty Pageant) contestants

- Sumazau dance

10.30pm - End of Show

15 May 2009 (Day Two)

6.00 pm - Food and handicraft stalls open at Gaya Street

8.00 pm - Sugandoi Concert

- Prize Presentation

10.30 pm - End of Show

16 May 2009 (Day Three)

6.00 pm - Food and handicraft stalls open at Gaya Street

7.30 pm - Unduk Ngadau Legend Presentation

- Unduk Ngadau Pageant (Beauty Pageant)

- Performance by guest artists

- Prize Presentation

10.45 pm - End of Show

I will be there throughout the three-days carnival promoting Umobile (018) with the others from the super-fun Umobile team. Umobile booth will be at booth #43, which is allocated directly in front of Pizza Hut. It's a festival; all of you have to come and join me. After all, the more the merrier! I can promise you that Umobile's booth will be the most happening, most fun, and cheerful booth on the block! There will be big bikes for shows, too!

I hope to see you there, and be sure to wear orange clothing, if possible.

Umobile: U call the shots!