'Hari Raya' in an Orang Asli village
The celebration, which coincides with the annual International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Aug 9, is marked by traditional activities and dances.
Photographs by Ahmad Sadiq Mohamad Sani
A river boat cruises up Sungai Endau, near Kampung Peta in Johor Bahru where the villagers are preparing for their annual celebration.
A child crouches in front of a building used as a courthouse for the villagers, who come from the Jakun tribe.
Villagers from the nearby settlement of Kampung Sungai Temon participate in plans for a traditional dance performance.
At the river, an Orang Asli man builds a makeshift hut to be used during the celebration in the shallow water near the bank.
While the grownups plan, the children play, doing backflips into the cool river water.
Even teenagers join in the fun, splashing about in the river.
As the sun sets, villagers gather to practise for a musical performance, accompanied by traditional instruments.
The children join in for the rehearsal, taking careful steps and swaying to the music.
The day of the festival kicks off in a football field, where tourists and visitors are allowed to participate in an event featuring the use of traditional blowpipes or 'sumpit'.
An Orang Asli man squints at the target in the distance as he prepares to blow a projectile from the pipe.
Another man stands in a ready position before participating in the challenge.
The projectiles, made out of a wood known as kayu abong, are rubbed with mempelas leaves to achieve a smooth surface.
Men standing near the targets check the accuracy of the contestants.
Another Orang Asli man squints in concentration.
Meanwhile at the river, Orang Asli from the Seletar Laut tribe prepare for a raft race.
In groups of twos and threes, the participants make their way up the winding river.
The other villagers gather to watch the race from higher ground.
As night falls, the Orang Asli children prepare for the big dance performance.
Two villagers stand by, already dressed in their traditional outfits.
Seletar Laut women also get ready for the event of the night.
Representatives from the Mah Meri tribe are also there, in full traditional garb.
As the music begins, the women from the Seletar Laut get started with their moves.
Next come the performers from the Jakun tribe of Kampung Peta.
The other villagers watch from the sidelines, enjoying the show.
Towards the end, an Orang Asli from the Mah Meri tribe joins in the fun.
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