Bamboo Rice, Songs Brighten Orang Asli Christmas Do

GUA MUSANG, Dec 25 (Bernama) -- In the heart of rural Kelantan, the Orang Asli community celebrated Christmas today amid thin wisps of smoke curled from burning bamboo, the joyful songs of children and the warm laughter of the villagers.

For the Temiar tribe, Christmas is more than a religious festival; it preserves cultural identity through bamboo rice feasts, village gatherings, and activities that bond the community.

The tradition shines through modest yet meaningful celebrations that bring together villagers of all ages, reflecting the Orang Asli’s close-knit spirit.

Amah Angah, 46, said Christmas began with a priest-led service, followed by meals, visits and gift exchanges among family and friends.

“…we also held games to liven up the celebrations. The food, including bamboo rice, chicken and other dishes, was prepared collectively for everyone to enjoy,” she told Bernama today.

Amah said their community celebrates Christmas for a week with children’s choirs, karaoke sessions and giving sweets to children.

Meanwhile, the head of the Kelantan Orang Asli village chiefs, Bidi Ronggeng, said Christian villagers are a minority, but despite their different faiths, they practise shared customs.

“Celebrations are marked by activities like singing and dancing involving the whole village,” he said, adding that mutual respect and religious freedom within the Orang Asli community form the foundation of long-standing harmony and unity.

-- BERNAMA