By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 21: From a futuristic robot dog to mystical “pengabang” — believed to be messengers from the afterlife — and even fighting cocks once used in ritual and sport, this year’s Gawai Dayak Parade was a breathtaking showcase of contrasts, thrilling thousands of spectators at the Kuching Waterfront.
The vibrant procession masterfully fused ancient customs with modern interpretations, reaffirming the living, evolving spirit of Dayak heritage.
The celebration, also known as “Niti Daun”, is the highlight of the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak festivities and saw the participation of 92 contingents featuring nearly 3,000 participants. They came from a diverse array of Dayak associations throughout Sarawak — including the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu — as well as the Malaysian Veterans Armed Forces and Dayak representatives from Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The parade commenced with the solemn ‘mamat’ ritual at the Tun Jugah Building, an ancient ceremony expressing gratitude to Bungan Malan Peselong Luan, the deity of harvest and livelihood. Traditionally performed to mark a good harvest, ensure health, and before headhunting expeditions, the mamat also seeks blessings for the paddy planting season.
Central to the ritual was the “Tungun Belawing”, a towering timber pole carved with Orang Ulu motifs such as the Kerbu flower, and crowned with a Kenyalang Hornbill casque — a powerful symbol of cultural pride and reverence within the Dayak community.
Adding grandeur to the occasion were the royal guests: His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, Raja Muda of Perlis, and Her Royal Highness Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, Raja Puan Muda of Perlis. They were joined by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and various Dayak cabinet ministers.
This year’s theme, “Peji Kenep Panau Pegep”, served as a heartfelt call to cherish, preserve, and pass on Dayak cultural heritage to future generations.
Uggah, who is also the chairman of the organising committee, hailed the diversity and scale of the event as one of the most remarkable in its history.
“The Gawai Dayak Parade reflects the cultural depth and diversity of the Dayak people and their significant contributions to the development of Sarawak and the nation.
“This celebration showcases the richness of Malaysia’s heritage and offers others an opportunity to better understand the Dayak way of life,” he said.
Spectators were treated to an explosion of colour and tradition, with elaborately handwoven garments, feathered headpieces, and bead-laden costumes taking centre stage. Represented were the distinct styles of the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Kadazan Dusun, and Dayak Kalimantan communities, each bringing their own flair and significance.
The parade also vividly portrayed Dayak daily life through visual storytelling — from the parading of massive ‘nyiru’ (winnowing trays), ‘tambok’ (woven baskets), and ‘kirik’ (chicken cages), to traditional tools used for rice processing and farming.
The beating of gongs, strumming of sape’, and sounds of traditional instruments echoed through the city, immersing the crowd in the spirit of the season.
More than just a visual spectacle, the parade served as a symbol of unity, identity, and continuity, celebrating Sarawak’s multicultural harmony through the lens of Dayak heritage.
This year’s Niti Daun not only paid tribute to ancestral customs, but reimagined them for the future — a cultural tapestry in motion that left hearts stirred and spirits lifted. — DayakDaily
