By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 6: The steady beat of gongs and drums echoed through Lorong Ang Cheng Ho No. 7 long before the first float rolled out, drawing crowds into a sea of incense smoke, fluttering flags and vibrant colours as devotees gathered to welcome Guan Ti Kung with reverence.
The scent of burning incense lingered in the warm afternoon air as worshippers streamed into the temple grounds, offering prayers and paying their respects to the deity ahead of the annual procession.
As the crowd steadily grew, the surroundings came alive with elaborately decorated lorry floats, giant mascots and cultural performances.
Lion and dragon dance troupes, traditional cultural groups, decorated vehicles and organisations from Kuching and across Sarawak prepared for the grand procession, each presenting its own unique display of devotion and heritage.
This year’s celebration featured about 120 floats and some 1,500 participants, making their way from Lorong Ang Cheng Ho No. 7 through Jalan Petanak, the Sri Aman roundabout, Jalan Central Timur, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Bukit Mata, Jalan Lebuh Wayang, Jalan Wawasan, Lorong Carpenter, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Abell, Jalan Rumbia, the Petanak roundabout and Lorong Blacksmith before returning to the starting point.
Inside the temple’s main hall, sacred rituals were performed to ceremonially invite Guan Ti Kung’s spirit into the deity’s statue, marking the spiritual beginning of the celebration before the public procession commenced.
Outside, anticipation continued to build as devotees and spectators waited patiently for the deity to emerge from the temple.
As anticipation reached its peak moments before the procession began, strings of firecrackers erupted in rapid succession, echoing through the streets with thunderous blasts and bursts of red confetti.
In Chinese tradition, the deafening blasts symbolised the warding off of evil spirits and the cleansing of the route, preparing a safe and auspicious passage for the deity’s journey through the city.
As the smoke slowly cleared, cheers rose from the crowd and the first floats began moving, signalling the start of one of Kuching’s most colourful and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. — DayakDaily
