Kalimaran festival celebrates Murut heritage, strengthens community ties
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The Kalimaran festival honors the cultural heritage of Sabah's Murut community while fostering connections with other ethnic groups. Originating from Injawari or Panawari, a traditional Murut assembly during British colonial times, the celebration was later renamed Kalimaran to embody traits like diligence, competitiveness, and unity.
At the 20th Kalimaran festival in Kemabong, Datuk Rubin Balang, Sabah Rural Development Minister and Kemabong assemblyman, emphasized the importance of preserving Murut customs, arts, and crafts for future generations. This year's theme, "Migogondo Jumalai Sumingkot" or "United in Progress and Development," underscores the significance of cooperation in building a united, progressive, and competitive society.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor urged younger generations to preserve their cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from Murut warrior Ontoros Endoi, or Antanom, whose courage, dignity, and determination shaped the community's history. Hajiji highlighted Antanom's legacy as a call for Sabah's youth to embrace their homeland, unity, courage, knowledge, and identity, contributing to the state and nation.
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