KUCHING: Thousands of people from all walks of life thronged the Kuching Waterfront yesterday to take part in the biggest Niti Daun Gawai Dayak parade ever held in the city.
Participants wore their traditional attire adorned with ornaments depicting their indigenous culture and heritage.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg led the participants in the parade over 1.2km from the Tun Jugah building to the Darul Hana Bridge at the Kuching Waterfront.
Also joining the Premier were Deputy Premier and advisor to the 2023 Gawai Dayak Celebration Working Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and other dignitaries.
The participants comprising contingents consisting of Dayak non-governmental organisations, cultural groups, tribal and community leaders, Armed Forces veterans and even beauty pageants depicted the diversity and uniqueness of Sarawak’s Dayak culture.
Some 250 participants from the Gabungan Orang Asal Sarawak/Sabah (GOASS) stole the spotlight at the parade which was held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence and the 2023 Gawai Day celebration.
The men donned impressive Iban warrior costumes followed by beautiful maidens who wowed the audience with their colourful traditional attire.
Chief coordinator for the ‘Niti Daun’ Gawai Dayak Parade 2023, Datuk Stephen Mundaw told reporters that the parade signifies the true meaning of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ which consisted of the many ethnic groups in Sarawak.
He shared that the parade was a platform for Sarawakians to interact and communicate with one another.
“Indirectly, this brings the true meaning of ‘Segulai Sejalai’, this parade does not only consist of the Dayak community but also participation from other races. This is what it means as ‘Segulai Sejalai’”, he said.
