Miring ceremony has potential for Unesco recognition

1 hour ago 5

ADVERTISE HERE

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 24: The miring ceremony has the potential to be recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage at the national level and subsequently considered under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

According to the National Unity Ministry, Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, the traditional ritual possesses high cultural and spiritual value as it is rich with elements of gratitude, respect for nature, and invocations for community well-being, which is still widely practised, especially during Gawai Dayak and cultural events.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac), through the National Heritage Department, needs to gazette this ceremony as a National Heritage first so that it can be documented, preserved, and promoted more comprehensively,” he said at the Sibu-level Mantar Gawai Dayak Night 2026 on Saturday (May 23), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He also drew attention to the Ngajat dance, which was recognised as a National Heritage in 2007, describing it as proof of the country’s commitment to preserving indigenous cultural traditions.

Under the National Heritage Act 2005 [Act 645], he said, Intangible Heritage refers to practices, expressions, knowledge, and community cultures that hold high aesthetic, historical, and identity values for the nation.

According to the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) under Motac, the miring ceremony is a ritual that aims to bring blessings upon the people, protect them from disasters, and foster happiness, peace, and harmony within the community. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article