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Over 5,000 participants in 114 contingents took over Kuching streets yesterday for the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak 'Niti Daun' 2026 procession — a spectacular showcase of Dayak culture, heritage, and unity. The 1.2-kilometre stretch from Tun Jugah Shopping Complex to the historic Square Tower came alive with feathers, silver ornaments, and beating gongs under the hot afternoon sun. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officially flagged off the grand march at 2.45pm, joined by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Dato Doreen Mayang. https://kuchinghub.com/assets/uploads/files/1782004016898-nitidaun1-resized.jpeg Sarawak Premier Abang Johari leading the Niti Daun cultural march from Tun Jugah to Kuching Waterfront. Before the parade began, a sacred miring and Ngerandang ritual was performed — a Dayak tradition to spiritually cleanse the pathway and invoke blessings. The procession featured: 99 walking groups and 15 intricately decorated cultural floats Warriors from Kelab Gagung Sarawak leading the vanguard Maidens and elders in authentic Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu traditional attire Delegations from DCF, Tun Jugah Foundation, SDNU, DBNA, FORUM, and KDCA https://kuchinghub.com/assets/uploads/files/1782004017322-nitidaun2.jpeg Iban women in full traditional regalia during the Niti Daun parade. This year's theme, "Segulai Sejalai" (Together in Unity), reflected the spirit of togetherness as thousands of onlookers lined the streets, cheering and snapping photos. Float Competition Winners: Champion (RM10,000): Kumpulan Kebudayaan Kampung Gumbang Bau Runner-up (RM5,000): Semban Ring Lady contingent Third (RM3,000): Gabungan Orang Asal Samarahan (GOAS) Consolation (RM1,000 each): Bisaya Gong Orchestra Limbang & ASADIA HQ https://kuchinghub.com/assets/uploads/files/1782004017572-nitidaun3-resized.jpeg Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah presenting prizes to the float competition winners. Deputy Premier Uggah expressed amazement at the diversity on display, noting the emergence of rarely-seen ethnic groups such as the Remun and Tagal communities. "Niti Daun" was historically performed during major Gawai festivals in longhouses across Baleh, Kapit, Batang Ai, and Lubok Antu. Yesterday's parade brought this ancient tradition from the longhouse ruai onto the urban streets of Kuching — a powerful symbol of cultural preservation and evolution. Location: Kuching Waterfront — Tun Jugah to Square Tower Details: Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Niti Daun 2026 | 114 contingents | 5,000 participants Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

The White Cat statue in Padungan is now wearing a printed songket-inspired red and green vest — a vibrant symbol of Gawai Dayak and Sarawak's cultural harmony. [image: N7CZ25RmCjRDHts] The special attire was unveiled during a lighting ceremony at the iconic statue on May 26, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the annual lighting tradition reflects Sarawak's inclusive spirit and the harmony among its people. "I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai," Dr Sim said. As people are travelling back for Gawai, Dr Sim reminded motorists to drive carefully. "Road conditions are improving, but please drive safely. If you drink, don't drive. If you drive, don't drink." Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained that a printed songket-inspired material was chosen instead of Pua Kumbu textile out of respect for Dayak cultural sensitivities. "When dressing the statue, it is important for us to consult and respect the cultures of others," he said. The mayor also drew a parallel between the open-door tradition of longhouse culture and Sarawak's unity: "If you have been to a longhouse, all the pintu are 'buka' (open). This openness is the heartbeat of our Sarawak unity." Location: Padungan, Kuching Details: White Cat statue in songket-inspired Gawai Dayak vest; lighting ceremony officiated by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian and MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

"How can a ticket to go back to my hometown for Gawai cost up to RM1,000? Isn't Borneo also part of Malaysia?" Sarawakian singer and influencer Miss Alvy took to Threads today to call out what she describes as "unreasonable" flight prices ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration. She highlighted that a return ticket from Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo can cost up to RM1,000 — enough, she said, to travel overseas. Many netizens from Sabah and Sarawak chimed in, sharing their own horror stories of festive season airfares, with some saying return tickets can hit RM1,900. According to Miss Alvy, many East Malaysians have been forced to delay returning home for years because of the high ticket prices. Some families can only reunite during major holidays, while others simply cannot afford it at all. The post has reignited the long-standing debate about the high cost of air connectivity between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, especially during festive seasons like Gawai and Hari Raya. Location: Kuching / Sarawak When: May 26, 2026 [image: 1779775360441-miss-alvy-airfare.jpg] Miss Alvy. Photo credit: Facebook / DayakDaily Source: DayakDaily What do you think?