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.
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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
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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
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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
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