By Glory Roslily & Nur Shada Nadherah
Migang – definitely a new term we discovered and stumbled upon, was one that immediately piqued our curiosity! Migang, represents a community coming together to celebrate and strengthen familiarity bonds as well as honouring their shared customs as the holy month approaches.
Upon discovering this unique cultural practice, our team embarked on a visit to Kampung Rampayan in Menggatal and immersed ourselves in the rich and authentic cultural practice of Migang. This unique experience allowed us to witness firsthand the way of life of the Bajau Sama people residing in Menggatal and how much this practice is greatly preserved in their tradition.
Inside the home of Encik Matlan Haji Merasin, the host’s family members worked together and busied themselves with preparing dishes that were to be carried later in a Dulang (Food Tray) or Bakuls (Baskets) to the Balai Raya, Community Hall.
Across the room, we saw 12 servings already ready to be carried and covered in these colourful food covers. Meals were placed inside a Dulang or Talam Bunga, and covered with a colourful food cover that is known as a Tudung Saji or Tudung Duang. This culture and practice stems from the ethnic group, Bajau Sama. Closely following their tradition, one of their customary meals that needed to be prepared included some coconut fillings, fried local sabahan banana slices and an egg.
After the preparations were ready, we decided to head out and follow a group of men carrying Duangs from their very own houses and then joining the walk to the Balai Raya which took about 5 minutes from Encik Matlan’s home.
As we walked and made our way to the Balai Raya, more community members came out from their houses and joined the walk while carrying their Dulangs altogether.
Upon arriving at our destination, we headed inside the Balai Raya and observed the arrangement of an array of Dulangs and Bakuls all lined up. This would be the heart of the gathering where prayers and the exchanging of meals take place, just after the Isha night prayer around 8pm for Muslims.
While waiting for more Dulangs and Bakuls to be delivered to the Balai Raya, we were able to do a quick interview session with Encik Matlan Haji Merasin and Puan Rosnah Haji Oyok to get a deeper understanding and meaning of what this Migang event is really all about.
Q & A Session
- HS: What is the meaning and origin of the Migang event?
Host: In Malay, Migang is also called Kenduri Sekampung or Kenduri Arwah and is held by villagers in conjunction with the arrival of the month of Ramadhan. It is the practice of a community celebrating together to honour their bonds and tradition as the holy month is nearing. It is also for the souls of the deceased person where food is prepared to honour them by feasting and praying as a whole community. Migang has been held since hundreds of years ago and is still practiced by the younger generations.
Kampung Rampayan Menggatal and our neighbour kampung Darau Manggatal are among the Bajau community villages that still uphold this tradition.
- HS: What is the main purpose of the Migang?
Host: According to our previous ancestors, Migang is to give the villagers a space to foster friendship and unity amongst the villagers by sending food (containing rice and side dishes ) to places where the village community will gather as a whole such as the Balairaya, or Surau.
Sometimes, the villagers will send 2 to 5 types dishes.
After Migang, these dishes will then be exchanged amongst the residents. This is to give the villagers space to taste their friend’s or family’s cooking. The purpose here is to give the less able villagers the opportunity to enjoy the meals prepared by their family and friends.
- HS: When is the “Acara Migang” event usually held and is it related to a certain season or event?
Host: Migang is usually held a week before the beginning of the month of Ramadhan. Before this takes place, another feast is held at the Mosque or Surau known as Nifsu Syaaban. This ceremony is held after Isyak and before that, villagers will bring kuih-muih or local pastries and other food menus to be distributed to the attendees of this feast to take home with them.
- HS: Who are the parties involved in the preparation and implementation of the Migang event?
Host: It is usually the mothers (women) who are very busy preparing the meals. They have made advance preparations for the dishes that will be served.
It can be said that every villager will prepare and send their food even if they are less able because for them, this serves as an opportunity and time to celebrate the blessed month of Ramadhan together.
The men, especially fathers, will carry the prepared food to the Balai Raya, Surau or other agreed-upon places, as well as being present when the Migang is held.
Once the Dulangs are ready, each household will commence the procession from their home, walking together in groups simultaneously, about 10 to 30 people, carrying the trays containing this food from the houses to the Balai Raya or Surau.
Our Experience
It was estimated that about 450 numbers of Dulangs and Bakuls were brought to the Balai Raya that day. Migang truly brought a night full of prayers, shared smiles, heartfelt laughter and warmth, as well as a beautiful sense of unity and togetherness.
Their kindness and hospitality did not stop there as before we took our leave, Puan Rosnah Haji Oyok made sure that our team did not go empty-handed and even proceeded to give us these Bakuls that were filled to the brim with a variety of food and drinks inside. The beauty of these Bakuls is what defines the community’s sense of unity ,love, dedication and spirit of teamwork they all put into celebrating Migang together.
Migang was truly an eye-opening experience that not only deepened our understanding of culture, but it also left us a sense of connection, meaning and admiration for the community.
