KUCHING: The Sarawak Waterfront lit up in a mesmerising panorama of culture and celebration as the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade came to a glorious and joyful close on Saturday.

This much-anticipated annual celebration saw a total of 91 contingents involving 2,730 participants marching a distance of 1.2 kilometres from the Tun Jugah Building to the Main Stage at Kuching Waterfront.

The parade was a vibrant showcase of traditional costumes, ethnic music and heritage dances that embodied the rich and diverse Dayak culture.

Leading the procession was the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, symbolising the state government’s unwavering commitment to preserving and honouring the cultural heritage of Sarawak’s many ethnic groups, while also promoting unity among its multiracial society.

He was accompanied by Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Gawai Dayak 2025 Main Organising Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, along with other senior state leaders.

Gracing the event were Their Royal Highnesses the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, and Raja Puan Muda, Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, whose presence elevated the occasion and reaffirmed Gawai Dayak’s standing as a nationally recognised cultural celebration, embraced in the spirit of togetherness.

This year’s edition gave special emphasis to the Orang Ulu community, whose contingent captivated onlookers with their musical performances featuring traditional instruments such as the 'sape', 'oguong' and 'kitaak' — a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Land of the Hornbills.

The inclusion of the Iban and Bidayuh communities added further cultural diversity, while the presence of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch and a delegation from the Dayak community of Kalimantan, Indonesia, strengthened the spirit of regional cultural solidarity across the Nusantara.

For the very first time, 12 decorated floats competed under the ethnic categories of Orang Ulu, Iban, and Bidayuh, with cash prizes of RM10,000, RM5,000 and RM3,000 awarded to the first, second, and third place winners respectively.

Consolation prizes of RM1,000 were also presented to contingents that stood out for their originality and creative expression.

Prior to the parade, a traditional 'mamat' ritual ceremony was held in the lobby of the Tun Jugah Building.

Led by Pemancha Tony Kulleh from the Kenyah community of Belaga, the ceremony sought blessings from ancestral spirits for a smooth and successful parade.

With the participation of so many ethnic groups, the Gawai Dayak 2025 Cultural Parade was more than just a platform to showcase traditional attire — it served as a vital celebration of solidarity and the shared identity of Sarawak’s multiracial society.

The presence of high-ranking state leaders and royal guests underscored the deep respect and appreciation for the Dayak heritage, and reaffirmed a collective commitment to ensuring that this treasured cultural legacy continues to thrive in an era of modernity.

As the parade drew to its close amid roaring cheers from the crowd, the haunting melodies of the 'sape' and the resounding chants of “Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai” echoed across the Kuching skyline — a powerful symbol of a people determined to keep their traditions alive while boldly stepping into the future. -UKASnews