By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 23: Twenty-seven illuminated boats will parade along the Sarawak River on May 9 in a riverine procession in honour of Sea Goddess Mazu, marking the highlight of the 3rd Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Mazu is a revered sea goddess believed to be the protector of sailors and fishermen, with origins tracing back to a historical figure born in 960 AD in Fujian, China.
“During her lifetime, fishermen and traders who faced difficulties at sea believed she had supernatural powers to assist them, so much so that her name was elevated and she continued to be revered even after her death as a goddess.
“She passed away at a very young age of 28, but you can see the impact of her contributions to society. She was eventually deified and worshipped as a goddess,” he said when speaking at a press conference held at Baitul Makmur 2 here today.
He further said Mazu celebrations are observed annually in many parts of the world, especially coastal regions in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, where processions are often held in conjunction with her birthday.
He said the celebrations are closely linked to the sea and rivers due to her association with maritime protection, making water-based processions a central feature of the festival.
The river procession in Kuching is scheduled to begin at about 5.30pm from Pangkalan Batu, where a fleet of decorated boats will set off along the Sarawak River, turning the waterfront into a night-time cultural spectacle.
The boats will sail past key landmarks including the Darul Hana Bridge, Salahuddin Bridge and Kampung Bintawa before turning back along the river route, allowing spectators along the waterfront and riverbanks to view the procession.
A brief stop is planned near the Kuching Waterfront area, where speeches will be delivered to the public along the riverbank via onboard sound systems before the procession continues.
As night falls, the illuminated boats are expected to create striking reflections across the river, with fireworks also being planned subject to approval.
Festival advisor Sih Hua Tong said this year’s festival is guided by the theme “Harmony Across the Ocean, Celebrating Shared Blessings”, which reflects the organisers’ aim of promoting unity, cultural exchange and mutual respect among communities.
“We have strong participation from Indonesia, especially from Surabaya and West Java, with about 28 temples confirmed. From Batam, there are five temples, while Singkawang and Pontianak also have several temples taking part.
“Invitations have also been extended to Penang and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah. Locally, we have participation from Kapit and Daro, which have also confirmed.
“We also have one confirmation where a temple from China will be bringing a deity statue over for the celebration. That is something quite special for this year,” he said.
He further said the eight-day festival will feature a series of activities, including ceremonial observances such as incense offering and birthday tribute in honour of Holy Mother Mazu, cultural and creative arts bazaar, food and beverage stalls, as well as community-oriented activities such as health screening, traditional Chinese medicine services and welfare support initiatives.
On incense offering arrangements, Sih Hua Tong said the temple at Petanak Central Market will serve as the Brief Sojourn Palace during the festival period, with a marquee also set up at the site.
“The temple bazaar is also stationed there, and devotees can go there to offer incense at any time from noon of May 3 onwards throughout the festival period,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan; MTCP permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick; 3rd Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival event chairman Kho Kee Hua and organising chairman Aaron Ma. — DayakDaily
