Senator Lalong Celebrates Gamai Heritage at Vibrant Cultural Festival

 

Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, witnessed a spectacular showcase of Gamai culture and traditional dances during the *Bit Sheyil Gamai Cultural Festival* in Shendam on Easter Monday. The event, brimming with color and energy, highlighted the deep-rooted heritage of the Gamai people.  

In a statement delivered by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Makut Macham, Senator Lalong praised the festival as a vital step in preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the land. He recalled his pledge at the previous **Bit Gamai Cultural Festival** to sponsor a dedicated event, ensuring ample time and space for the community to fully express their traditions through dance, music, and exhibitions.  

"Often, the annual Bit Gamai festival is packed with activities, leaving little room for deeper cultural displays,"* Lalong noted. *"This event, organized in collaboration with the Gamai Youth Movement (GYM), provided a unique platform for our people to showcase the true essence of our heritage."

The festival attracted diverse traditional troupes from across Gamailand, each presenting their unique dances and customs. Senator Lalong commended the enthusiastic participation of the community, emphasizing that such efforts help safeguard indigenous culture against the pressures of globalization.  

The **Madakin Shendam**, representing the **Long Gamai of Gamailand, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III**, expressed gratitude to Senator Lalong for his sponsorship and leadership. He also lauded the people for their active involvement, urging other prominent sons and daughters of Gamailand to follow the Senator’s example in preserving their cultural identity.  

'Our traditions are the soul of our people,"* he said. *"We must continue to uphold them for future generations."

The festival not only celebrated Gamai culture but also reinforced unity and pride among its people, proving that tradition can thrive even in a rapidly changing world.