Since the dawn of time, the KadazanDusun and Murut people have been celebrating Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival in their own unique Bobohizan way, paying homage to the rice spirits called Bambarayon to mark their gratitude for their bountiful harvest.

Merry-making takes place in various villages and districts which host their own celebrations throughout the month of May. The climax of the celebrations is the two-day state festival held at the Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on 30th and 31st May.

Highlights include the Magavau, a traditional thanksgiving ceremony by the Bobohizan or High Priestess, the Unduk Ngadau or traditional Harvest Queen, cultural dances and much merrymaking.

Traditional beliefs have it that Bambarayon can be threatened by pests, natural disasters, or even by the carelessness of the farmers themselves.

To appease Bambarayon, Magavau which in Kadazan means “to recover what has been lost, by whatever means,” must be performed.

Led by the high priestesses, the Bobohizan and their assistants perform a ritual symbolising the search for the stray Bambarayon to be safely brought ‘home’.

Moving in a single file, close to one another, the Bobohizan and their assistants enter the ‘spirit’ world in search of the Bambarayon.

Every time a stray Bambarayon is located, a piercing scream or pangkis is heard, expressing joy at the find, thus ensuring another good harvest.