By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 21: The streets of Kuching came alive with a dazzling display of tradition and devotion as thousands gathered for the grand procession celebrating the birthday of the Seng Ong Kong Deity at Hong San Si Temple, Wayang Street today.
With 222 performing troupes filling the city, the air pulsed with the rhythmic beat of drums, each strike echoing through the streets and stirring a sense of anticipation. Vibrant costumes painted the scene with bold splashes of colour, as performers moved in perfect harmony, their every step adding to the growing energy of the celebration.
The sheer scale of the spectacle drew an overwhelming crowd of devotees and spectators, who gathered shoulder to shoulder, eager to witness the electrifying performances that turned the city into a vibrant showcase of heritage and artistry.
The procession began at Wayang Street and wound through Jalan Tabuan, Jalan Ban Hock, and Jalan Padungan before continuing along Jalan Bukit Mata, Main Bazaar, and Jalan Gambier.
It then passed through Market Street, Khoo Hun Yeang Street, and Jalan Tun Haji Openg before making its way through Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street, ultimately returning to its starting point.
Kuching Hockien Association president Dato Richard Wee, speaking to reporters at the temple, highlighted the deep significance of the annual celebration.
“This year, we have 222 troupes lining up to pay their respects before embarking on the procession. By 6.30pm, the statue of Seng Ong Kong will make its grand appearance, and by 11pm, it will return to the temple,” he said.
Among the main highlights were two magnificent fire dragons — one stretching an impressive 500 feet and another, an incense-covered dragon, measuring 280 feet. Their lustrous designs, crafted from shiny materials, gleamed brilliantly in the daylight, accentuating every sinuous movement. The incense dragon was a spectacle unlike any other, its entire form constructed from countless incense sticks. As it weaved through the crowd, delicate tendrils of fragrant smoke drifted into the air, enveloping the scene in an otherworldly charm.
“That one was specially ordered from Vietnam,” he revealed, referring to the longer dragon.
The procession also featured unique participants, including the Kumpulan Hadrah Sri Melati from Kampung Sungai Maong, a striking presence considering their different religious background.
Adding to the spectacle, a troupe carried an enormous ‘sempoa‘ (traditional Chinese abacus), while members of Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah Sarawak (GOASS) showcased their rich heritage in traditional attire.
Injecting a playful energy into the night, cosplayers dressed as beloved characters such as Doraemon, Donald Duck, and Charmander, alongside iconic figures like Zhong Kui, the legendary demon queller, and his underworld attendants. Their masks were a riot of colours — fiery reds symbolising power and protection, striking greens evoking a sense of vitality and mystique, and rich purples adding an air of regality and the supernatural. Each hue stood out vibrantly, bold and unyielding, making the group appear as if they had stepped straight out of folklore and into the festivities. Together with them was also Ma Zhu, the sea goddess.
Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the event at around 5.30pm, joined by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and other dignitaries.
Richard Wee expressed hope for the event’s continued growth and recognition as a major tourism attraction.
“This is an annual affair, and I’ve spoken to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) about including it in the official tourism calendar. We’ve had groups from Sabah joining us in previous years, and I hope this celebration can evolve into an international event,” he said.
With its deep cultural roots and growing appeal, the Seng Ong Kong Deity’s birthday celebration remains a powerful symbol of unity, blending faith, heritage, and festivity in an unforgettable night of tradition and spectacle. – DayakDaily
