By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Mar 6: A total of 222 teams will participate in the Seng-Ong Deity Birthday Procession organised by the Kuching Hockien Association’s Hong San Si Temple this coming Thursday (Apr 9)—marking it as one of the largest processions in recent years.
According to a press release, the procession is expected to showcase the highly anticipated Hior Huay Liong (Fire Dragon) performance, alongside the striking Guan-Jiang-Shou troupe presented by Miri San Tia Zi Cultural Association.
“Adding further vibrancy to the event are Kumpulan Hadrah Sri Melati (Malay drum troupe) and GOASS Sarawak indigenous groups, whose participation highlights Sarawak’s unique multicultural harmony and religious inclusiveness,” it said.
The temple committee stated that registrations were fully taken up within a short period, reflecting the deep-rooted faith in the Seng-Ong Deity among the local community, as well as strong public support for traditional religious and cultural events.
Additionally, the procession will feature an impressive lineup of dragon and lion dance troupes, with some groups sending more than four lion teams to participate.
“The majestic fire dragon performance, combined with the visually captivating iron-fire (Da Tie Hua) display during the night segment, is expected to be a major highlight. Meanwhile, the traditional Guan-Jiang-Shou formation will add a sense of solemnity and cultural depth to the procession.
“Notably, the inclusion of Malay and indigenous Sarawak groups brings together diverse cultural elements on a single platform, symbolising unity and mutual respect within Sarawak’s multicultural society, while enhancing the overall visual and cultural richness of the procession,” it said.
The organisers are calling on devotees and the public to turn up in large numbers to witness and participate in this grand annual celebration, which remains one of the most significant religious events of the year.
Hong San Si Temple also emphasised that the Seng-Ong Deity Birthday celebration is an important annual occasion, featuring a series of traditional rituals and festivities. It serves not only as a moment of devotion for followers, but also as a platform to preserve Chinese cultural heritage and strengthen community cohesion.
The procession is scheduled to begin at 3.30pm, with the route starting from Wayang Street (Temple), passing through Jalan Tabuan, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Padungan, Bukit Mata, Main Bazaar, Gambier Street, Market Street (Open Air Market), Khoo Hun Yeang Street, Tun Haji Openg Road, Pearl Street, Carpenter Street, Ewe Hai Street, and returning to Wayang Street. — DayakDaily
