Pesta Bengkoka Pitas 2012 (Part 2)

This is another post about Pesta Bengkoka Pitas 2012. I suggest you read the first part before continuing on this second part.

The second day of the festival began with tug of war competition. The tug of war or 'tarik tali' called by local people is a sport that directly pits two teams against each other in a test of strength. Two teams of eight, whose total mass must not exceed a maximum weight as determined for the class, align themselves at the end of a rope approximately 10 centimeters in circumference.

The rope is marked with a "center line" and two markings four meters either side of the center line. The teams start with the rope's center line directly above a line marked on the ground, and once the contest (the "pull") has commenced, attempt to pull the other team such that the marking on the rope closest to their opponent crosses the center line, or the opponents commit a foul (such as a team member sitting or falling down).

 

Over at the houses in the Pitas Ethnic Culture, local people started to play music using traditional instruments and dances of their respective tribes. Some of them are wearing their traditional clothing. In other angle, local artistes and performers were getting ready to entertain the audience in the opening ceremony. Most of them will present a traditional dance that became the main attraction of this festival.

 

Not long after, the opening started. Chief Minister Sabah Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, in his speech delivered by state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said, Pesta Bengkoka can help promote the district as a new state tourism destination. He also belived Pitas will be a popular tourism destination one day because the district was also blessed with a beautiful and unique natural environment apart from being rich in culture and traditions. 

Besides, Pitas District Officer who is also Chairman of the Main Committee Pesta Bengkoka dan Kaamatan 2012, Sapdin Ibrahim in his speech at the ceremony among others said that there are many treasures in this area such as the Tanjung Perak Batu Si Tenggang equal tragedy, Stone Beruncai, Batu Talam, Fresh Water Wells in the middle of the sea, and a lot more to get the attention of the people of this district to be developed as tourist attractions in and outside the country.

 

Also present were Deputy Minister of Transport, (Kudat MP) Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Pitas Assemblyman, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail, Member of Legislative Assembly Banggi, Datuk Haji Abdul Mijul Unaini. 

Opening ceremony event was also graced by Sabah cultural dances and Book of 'Supirak' launching and traditional dance performances. After that, decorated boat contest took place. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the evening, several events were held including; closing ceremony, Prize Presentation, bodybuilders performances, guest artistes' performances (including Adira AF, Ayu-OIAM and other local artists), also fireworks show. 

 

 

For me, what is interesting about this festival is a concept used by the organizers. Festival organizers use cultural, historical and trade Expo/agriculture themes to develop annual events to attract visitors. Such festivals provide opportunities for the local community to find out more local culture beside generate income from the business during the festival.

Posted By Ezzat Roslan

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