Gawai Dayak procession to make come-back after 24 years
KUCHING: After a lapse of 24 years, a big- scale procession featuring contingents representing the various Dayak communities is now re-included in the state-level Gawai Dayak celebrations.
Organising chairman of this year’s state-level celebrations, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the procession dubbed ‘Niti Daun’ to be held on June 22 will feature 4,000 participants in 100 contingents.
He explained the contingents will comprise Dayak-based associations, community leaders from all divisions, youth icons, university students and nongovernmental organisations from throughout Sarawak.
Also invited are Dayak communities from Sabah and neighbouring countries Indonesia and Brunei.
There is also a parade of Bujang Berani (gallantry award recipients), armed forces and police veterans and winners of divisional kumang and keling competitions.
“The Gawai Dayak procession or Niti Daun is a procession of Dayak communities as they march in their respective traditional costumes.
“The last time such a procession was held was in 1994,” he told a press conference after chairing the organising committee meeting yesterday.
He revealed the 1.5km procession will start from the Cat Statue in front of Grand Margherita Hotel at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, and they will all march to the space in front of the main stage at Kuching Waterfront ( Main Bazaar road).
He said that as they march, some of them will also play their
The Gawai Dayak procession or Niti Daun is a procession of Dayak communities as they march in their respective traditional costumes. The last time such a procession was held was in 1994.
respective traditional music. “There will be four checkpoints. At each checkpoint, the contingent members will perform their respective traditional dance such as Ngajat and so on,” he added.
Dr Rundi, who is Minister of Utilities, also mentioned that Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing will be joining the procession.
Uggah and Masing are also the celebrations’ patron and advisor.
“The Niti Daun will end with a cultural showcase from all the Dayak ethnic groups, and there will also be performances from specially invited Dayak singers,” he said.
On a related matter, Dr Rundi said the theme chosen for this year’s celebration is ‘Segulai Sejalai Nengah Jeman Digital’ ( Together in Unity Towards the Digital Age).
He explained the Niti Daun is one of the three main programmes for the celebrations.
The other two are Gawai Dayak bazaars in Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu divisions from May 22 to June 23, and the Gawai Dayak dinner at Penview Convention Centre on June 23.
On the Gawai Dayak bazaar, he said the one in Bintulu is now being held from May 22 until May 27 at the Bintulu Commerce Square Mall.
The one in Kuching is at Kuching Waterfront from June 18 to 22, while the one in Sibu is from June 13 - 17 at a place to be announced soon.
There will also be Gawai Dayak bazaar and exhibition at the Penview Convention Centre on June 23 before the dinner.
“The Gawai Dayak bazaars are to enable the Dayak ciommunities to display and sell their respective handicrafts, traditional costumes and traditional cuisine,” said Dr Rundi.
On the dinner, he said the invited guests of honour are Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib. Also invited are Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and cabinet ministers.
“The dinner will also see performances from local singers representing Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, and a cultural showcase,” he said.
Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Organising chairman