Location : Kota Putussibau, Kabupaten Kapuas Hulu, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.
It was a cloudless sunny morning as we walked from the hotel to the venue of this first ever Gawai event in Putussibau for Kapuas Hulu. 
Interestingly, this inaugural festival included a performance of what seemed like a Balinese dance complete with the ‘Gamelan’ orchestra. The dance slowly shifted into a trance as the dancers jumped around assuming the stances of agitated monkeys. Were they telling us the story of Hanuman and Ravana in the Ramayana?
The crowd had some anxious moments as the dancers hurtled towards it now and then in some random fashion.
As usual the Dayak ladies came in their most glamourous beaded outfit. So were the men! I noticed one guy had a very unique beaded tie.
The grand opening dance saw a very rehearsed performance by dancers from all corners of Kapuas Hulu with each group dressed in their own unique traditional attire. 
From the venue they proceeded to the street, some on foot and some on well decorated trucks. The parade continued along the main street of Putussibau for all to enjoy the occasion. Next…..more candid photos in and around the venue
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