Niti Daun Gawai parade colours the streets of Kuching

It was a colourful display of dance and drama as close to 3,000 participants from 100 contingents took to the streets of Kuching for the Mardi Gras-style Niti Daun Gawai parade.

Tourists and locals watched the procession consisting of dance troupes, decorated chariots and colourful mobile daises depicting the indigenous themes of the Dayaks – largely the Iban, Bidayuh and the upriver Orang Ulu communities.

The Niti Daun parade is the highlight of the Gawai harvest festival, which is celebrated annually on June 1 and 2.

However, the parade this year was very special as this is the first time it has been held in 14 years.

Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg was present at the parade, along with other state dignitaries.

The parade began with the ritualistic Ngerandang Jalai, a symbolic opening of the parade’s path to ensure that one’s journey is smooth and free from all obstacles.

The ceremony was conducted by a shaman from among the groups.

The 1.5km procession started from the Cat Statue in front of the Grand Margherita Hotel at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. The procession marched right up to the Kuching Waterfront.

Along the way, each contingent displayed its own traditional dance performance relevant to its ethnic group. Traditional musicians using gongs and drums lent the music for the dancers.

The performances were held at four specially dedicated areas and this lent an opportunity for the locals and tourists to take photographs and record the colourful fanfare via their cell phone cameras.

Rich indigenous heritage

According to Roseini Madrod, who led the Kampung Quop contingent at the parade, it was worth the initiative and time spent organising and preparing for the parade.

“The parade highlights our ‘ethnic existence’ to the world and it is an opportunity for us to show off the rich indigenous heritage of Sarawakians,” said the 47-year-old.

Roseini (right in photo) also noted that Sarawak is a state with its very own unique attractions.

“Our dances, such as the ngajat, and songs, as well as music and the musical instruments that we use, such as the sapeh, are all so exclusive and exotic,” she said.

Roseini took part in the parade – which she said is a great showcase of Dayak culture –  together with her five-year-old daughter, Arrianna Cammellia Rose Ong.

The Gawai celebrations end tonight with a dinner at the Penview Convention Centre in Kuching.

It will be attended by governor Abdul Taib Mahmud and other state dignitaries. - Mkini