MUKAH: In line with the theme ‘Tiada Seuniknya’, Kaul Mukah celebrations this year will be more lively, with various activities that are indeed synonymous with the unique culture of the Melanau community here.

The morning procession began with a procession down the Sungai Telian accompanied by fishing boats decorated with motifs of woven nipah leaves and ‘Seraheng Kakan’.

The boat procession, preceded by a boat carrying the ‘Seraheng Kakan’, was then followed by a symbolic ceremony of handing over betel leaves and ‘bintang’, which are traditional equipment at the door of the kuala after arriving at the Kaul site.

Interestingly, this time, Deputy Minister of Economy and Mukah Member of Parliament, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib also joined the procession down the Sungai Tellian.

After that, the ceremonial 'Bapa Kaul' carved the ‘Seraheng Kakan’ before filling it with food as an offering to ‘Ipok’, which is a spirit worshipped by the Melanau community.

Then, it continued with the scattering of yellow rice while reciting ‘miyab mibau’, which is a mantra to make a request.

Usually, a request for good fortune in terms of obtaining sea products, forest products and long-lasting health is included in the ‘miyab mibau’, before Bapa Kaul scatters the yellow rice to the visitors present.

After all the events are over, the guest of honour and the attendees will enjoy traditional Melanau food together, as a symbolic sign of the end of the ‘Ipok’ worship.

Also present were Tellian Assemblyman, Royston Valentine and Mukah District Officer, Peleadzman Ahip. -UKASnews