Feathers, silver, beating gongs: 114 contingents flood Kuching streets for Gawai ‘Niti Daun’

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By Shikin Louis & Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, June 20: A breathtaking wave of feathers, silver ornaments, and beating gongs flooded the heart of the city today as 114 contingents took over the streets for the highly anticipated Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak “Niti Daun” 2026 procession.

Under the hot afternoon sun, an estimated 5,000 participants turned the 1.2-kilometre stretch from Tun Jugah Shopping Complex to the historic Square Tower into a living, breathing canvas of Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry.

Marching under this year’s unifying theme, “Segulai Sejalai” (Together in Unity), the air was thick with pride and the infectious energy of a community celebrating its roots.

Rooted deeply in Dayak tradition, “Niti Daun” was historically performed during major Gawai festivals—such as Gawai Sandau Liau, Gawai Kenyalang, Gawai Ijuk Pumpung, and Gawai Kelingkang—where longhouse residents would march along the ruai (verandah) to the main ceremonial area.

Today, this practice, which symbolises thanksgiving, unity, and success, transitioned from the wooden floorboards of Sarawak’s longhouses in Baleh, Kapit, Batang Ai, and Lubok Antu straight onto the urban asphalt of Kuching.

The street came alive at 2.45pm after the arrival of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officially flagged off the grand march.

Joining him at the starting line to witness the launch of the parade were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas—chairman of the Gawai Dayak Sarawak 2026 Celebration Main Committee—and his wife Dato Doreen Mayang.

Before the contingent took their first steps, a sacred miring and Ngerandang ritual was performed. In Dayak custom, this ancient ceremony serves to spiritually cleanse the pathway of negative elements, invoking peace, protection, and blessings for the community.

Leading the charge was the formidable Ngerandang Jalai vanguard, paving the way for the Bujang Berani, Kumang, Keling, and the fierce, shield-bearing members of the Kelab Gagung Sarawak.

Alongside them were the essential pemaie piring (offering bearers) and indu piring, who scattered rice along the path as a traditional symbol of blessing.

Following the warriors, a sea of maidens and elders in meticulously crafted, authentic traditional attire of the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities took over.

Thousands of onlookers lined the barricades, cheering and snapping photos as the massive lineup of 99 walking groups and 15 intricately decorated cultural floats glided past.

To keep the parade sharp and striking, each group was tightly organised, capped at exactly 30 members.

A powerhouse lineup of cultural institutions followed closely behind, with massive delegations from the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF), Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak Malaysia (FORUM), and the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) adding to the spectacle.

Orchestrated by a working committee led by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law and Native Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, the procession also carried a competitive edge, with groups vying for top honors as the best contingents and floats across distinct ethnic categories.

What was once an intimate longhouse ritual has beautifully evolved into a vibrant public showcase. Today’s “Niti Daun” proved to be more than just a parade; it remains a vital platform for the Dayak community to honor their achievements, solidify their unity, and pass down the fierce, unyielding torch of Sarawakian heritage to generations to come.

As evening approaches, the crowd is drifting toward the main Waterfront stage, where the Premier will present the top prizes, capped off by raw cultural showcase pieces and live music from popular local artists. — DayakDaily

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