Kaamatan annual event celebrated on 30th – 31st of May in Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan. Celebrated by the ethnic Kadazandusuns Murut as well as by other related ethnic groups in the state. "The word ‘Kaamatan’ derives from the root word ‘tomot’, a Kadazandusun term for “harvest”.
Kaamatan is celebrated to commemorate the “Greatest Love of all”, “the Creator Couple (Kinoingan & Sumundu) sacrificed their only daughter Huminodun in order to save them from severe drought and famine.
Kaamatan is symbolized the sharing of the new paddy harvest (made manifest from the sacrificed body of Huminodun) and the thanksgiving to the Source of All.
One of the major highlights of Kaamatan is to witness the highly anticipated Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Beauty Queen Pageant). Unduk Ngadau basically reflects the beauty of the heart, mind and body in all its entirety – all that Huminodun embodies. The crowning takes place at the end of the festival. The title Unduk Ngadau comes from the ethnic word Runduk Tadau which means 'the girl crowned by sunlight'.
This year theme 'Kaamatan Monunduan do Winorun” = “Kaamatan ensouls nature” will focus on nature conservation following climate change, as well as the preservation of paddy and fruit crops that are facing extinction.
Tabik Kaamatan to you all
