KOTA KINABALU, May 31 -- Every year in May, the unmistakable sounds of the kulintangan and gongs echo across villages and hotspots in Sabah, signalling the month-long Kaamatan or harvest festival, arguably Sabah's most iconic festival.

Held annually throughout May, culminating in the state-level celebration on May 30 and 31, Kaamatan has always held a special place in the hearts of Sabahans, especially the Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus and other land-dwelling indigenous communities across Sabah.

Although it recently had a reputation as a massive local drinking festival, Kaamatan is a deeply rooted cultural celebration of identity, history and communal harmony.

Celebrated as a thanksgiving, it is essentially a time for gratitude, communit...