KOTA KINABALU, May 31 -- The Kadazandusun people of Sabah are known not only for their vibrant traditions - such as gong music, rice wine, and dance - but also, as the largest indigenous ethnic group in the state, for their deep spiritual connection to the land from which they draw life and livelihood.

To them, the land and all living beings are imbued with spirit, history, and meaning. This belief is reflected in their rich traditions and rituals - from birth to death, from planting to healing, and every action in between.

At the heart of their identity is a reverence for the Bambarayon, the rice spirit and essence of life. To them, rice is more than just food or sustenance - it is life itself. They believe it is their duty to respect,...