Over 3,000 join colourful Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade in Kuching
Abang Johari (fourth left) with Uggah (third left), Dr Sim (third right) and other local dignitaries march their way from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 21): More than 90 contingents and 12 decorated floats, featuring over 3,000 participants from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, brought vibrant colour and cultural significance to the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade, much to the delight of both locals and visitors.
The day began with the traditional Orang Ulu 'Upacara Mamat' ceremony, held at the Tun Jugah Building lobby.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the ritual, which was conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Pemanca Tony Kulleh from the Belaga Kenyah community.
The ritual sought blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the parade.
A contingent representing the Iban community at the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon
Following the ceremony, Abang Johari and other dignitaries joined the 1.2-km parade from Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with the main organising committee chair of the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Gerawat Gala.
The 'Upacara Mamat' ritual remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a means of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to younger generations.
It reflects values of gratitude, shared achievement, and harmony – ideals at the heart of Gawai.
The two-hour parade also featured contingents and special guests from outside Sarawak, including members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch.
A women contingent showcasing their costumes at the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon
The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was present as a special guest.
Also in attendance were delegates from North Kalimantan, led by Vice Governor Ingkong Ala and the Republic of Indonesia Senator Dr Marthin Billa, who is also the President of the National Dayak Customary Council.
The Orang Ulu community was represented by groups such as the Sarawak Kayan Association Kuching Branch, Sarawak National Kenyah Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Lahanan Association, Punan National Association, Serian Orang Ulu Association, Sarawak Kayan Women Association, and the Orang Ulu National Association.
Contingents from the Bidayuh community included branches of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from Serian, Lundu, Urban Kuching, Central Kuching, Siburan, Serapi, Penrissen, Padawan, Bau, Samarahan and Tebedu, as well as the Kuching Biperoh Association, Kuching Biya Association, and the Jagoi Area Development Committee.
Representing the Iban community were the Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several SDNU branches, the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, Sarawak Pribumi Intellectual Association, Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association.
One of the contingents making their way to the Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Chimon Upon
Speaking to reporters after the parade, Uggah said it served as a platform for Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups to showcase their rich culture and traditions.
'It is also to enlighten the non-Dayak community of the traditions and customs practised by the Dayaks,' he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Premier Abang Johari and Raja Muda of Perlis for attending the cultural celebration. abang johari Gawai Dayak parade Kuching Niti Daun
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Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Gawai Dayak 2025 parade in Kuching brings Sarawak's spirit to life with colour, culture and unity
KUCHING, June 21 — More than 90 contingents and 12 decorated floats, featuring over 3,000 participants from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, brought vibrant colour and cultural significance to the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade, much to the delight of both locals and visitors. The day began with the traditional Orang Ulu 'Upacara Mamat' ceremony, held at the Tun Jugah Building lobby. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg officiated the ritual, which was conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Pemanca Tony Kulleh from the Belaga Kenyah community. The ritual sought blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the parade. Following the ceremony, Abang Johari and other dignitaries joined the 1.2-km parade from Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. A contingent representing the Iban community at the parade. — The Borneo Post pic Among those in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with the main organising committee chair of the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Gerawat Gala. The 'Upacara Mamat' ritual remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a means of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to younger generations. It reflects values of gratitude, shared achievement, and harmony – ideals at the heart of Gawai. The two-hour parade also featured contingents and special guests from outside Sarawak, including members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was present as a special guest. A women contingent showcasing their costumes at the parade. — The Borneo Post pic Also in attendance were delegates from North Kalimantan, led by Vice Governor Ingkong Ala and the Republic of Indonesia Senator Dr Marthin Billa, who is also the President of the National Dayak Customary Council. The Orang Ulu community was represented by groups such as the Sarawak Kayan Association Kuching Branch, Sarawak National Kenyah Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Lahanan Association, Punan National Association, Serian Orang Ulu Association, Sarawak Kayan Women Association, and the Orang Ulu National Association. Contingents from the Bidayuh community included branches of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from Serian, Lundu, Urban Kuching, Central Kuching, Siburan, Serapi, Penrissen, Padawan, Bau, Samarahan and Tebedu, as well as the Kuching Biperoh Association, Kuching Biya Association, and the Jagoi Area Development Committee. One of the contingents making their way to the Kuching Waterfront. — The Borneo Post pic Representing the Iban community were the Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several SDNU branches, the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, Sarawak Pribumi Intellectual Association, Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association. Speaking to reporters after the parade, Uggah said it served as a platform for Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups to showcase their rich culture and traditions. 'It is also to enlighten the non-Dayak community of the traditions and customs practised by the Dayaks,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the Premier Abang Johari and Raja Muda of Perlis for attending the cultural celebration. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Over 3,000 join colourful Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade in Kuching
Abang Johari (fourth left) with Uggah (third left), Dr Sim (third right) and other local dignitaries march their way from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 21): More than 90 contingents and 12 decorated floats, featuring over 3,000 participants from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, brought vibrant colour and cultural significance to the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade, much to the delight of both locals and visitors. The day began with the traditional Orang Ulu 'Upacara Mamat' ceremony, held at the Tun Jugah Building lobby. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the ritual, which was conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Pemanca Tony Kulleh from the Belaga Kenyah community. The ritual sought blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the parade. A contingent representing the Iban community at the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon Following the ceremony, Abang Johari and other dignitaries joined the 1.2-km parade from Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. Among those in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with the main organising committee chair of the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Gerawat Gala. The 'Upacara Mamat' ritual remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a means of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to younger generations. It reflects values of gratitude, shared achievement, and harmony – ideals at the heart of Gawai. The two-hour parade also featured contingents and special guests from outside Sarawak, including members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. A women contingent showcasing their costumes at the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was present as a special guest. Also in attendance were delegates from North Kalimantan, led by Vice Governor Ingkong Ala and the Republic of Indonesia Senator Dr Marthin Billa, who is also the President of the National Dayak Customary Council. The Orang Ulu community was represented by groups such as the Sarawak Kayan Association Kuching Branch, Sarawak National Kenyah Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Lahanan Association, Punan National Association, Serian Orang Ulu Association, Sarawak Kayan Women Association, and the Orang Ulu National Association. Contingents from the Bidayuh community included branches of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from Serian, Lundu, Urban Kuching, Central Kuching, Siburan, Serapi, Penrissen, Padawan, Bau, Samarahan and Tebedu, as well as the Kuching Biperoh Association, Kuching Biya Association, and the Jagoi Area Development Committee. Representing the Iban community were the Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several SDNU branches, the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, Sarawak Pribumi Intellectual Association, Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association. One of the contingents making their way to the Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Chimon Upon Speaking to reporters after the parade, Uggah said it served as a platform for Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups to showcase their rich culture and traditions. 'It is also to enlighten the non-Dayak community of the traditions and customs practised by the Dayaks,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the Premier Abang Johari and Raja Muda of Perlis for attending the cultural celebration. abang johari Gawai Dayak parade Kuching Niti Daun
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak Parade in Kuching to begin with traditional Orang Ulu ritual Upacara Mamat
Participants rehearse for the Gawai Dayak Parade 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 20): The traditional Orang Ulu ritual Upacara Mamat will be a key ceremonial highlight ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade tomorrow here. State-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Organising Committee chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala said preparations are complete for the main event, which will be attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with briefings conducted for all contingent leaders and 50 experienced marshals. 'Today, we briefed all contingent leaders and the marshals, who are mainly police and army veterans, on the dos and don'ts, and the overall procession order,' he told reporters before today's final rehearsal. The Upacara Mamat, a traditional Orang Ulu ritual, will be held in the Tun Jugah Building lobby at 1.40pm prior to the parade, which is scheduled to start at 2.10pm. Conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Belaga Kenyah community Pemanca Tony Kulleh, the ritual will seek blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the traditional and cultural parade. Historically, the thanksgiving ritual was performed ahead of headhunting expeditions or to invoke blessings for the paddy planting season. A key element of the ritual is the Tungun Belawing, a carved ceremonial wooden pole adorned with traditional Orang Ulu motifs such as the bunga kerbu. Atop the pole sits a hornbill sculpture, symbolising honour and cultural identity. While the Mamat ritual is no longer carried out in its original form based on traditional beliefs, its core values remain preserved, expressed today through prayers, thanksgiving ceremonies, and cultural celebrations. Reviving and showcasing this tradition is seen as a meaningful way to preserve the cultural identity of the Orang Ulu, particularly the Kenyah community in Sarawak. Gerawat explained that although no longer widely practiced, Mamat remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a way of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to the younger generation. Gawai Dayak Cultural Parade Organising Committee chairman and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the ritual reflects gratitude, shared achievement, and unity, which are values that Gawai continues to celebrate. There will be 91 contingents and 12 floats for tomorrow's parade, which will involve over 3,000 individuals. All contingents will be evaluated by a special panel to determine the best contingent in each of the three main categories: Orang Ulu, Iban, and Bidayuh. Cash prizes of RM10,000, RM5,000, and RM3,000 will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners respectively, with consolation prizes of RM1,000. Despite the event coinciding with the Rainforest World Music Festival, Gerawat and Chukpai are hopeful for a strong turnout. 'We understand the date clash is unavoidable due to the availability of our VIP guests and the venue. We hope the public will attend both. Come here in the day and enjoy the festival at night,' Gerawat said. The parade will also feature special guests and contingents from outside Sarawak including Sabahans from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. Also joining the celebration is a delegation from North Kalimantan led by Vice Governor of North Kalimantan Ingkong Ala and Senator of the Republic of Indonesia and President of the National Dayak Customary Council Dr Marthin Billa. Chukpai added that the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail is expected to attend the parade as a special guest. Gawai Dayak parade gerawat gala lead Upacara Mamat
