SARAWAK’S rich indigenous culture was on full display at the Gawai parade known as Niti Daun in Kuching.
The 1.2km-long parade, which took place on June 17, was the highlight of the state-level Gawai celebration this year, with 3,000 participants in 91 contingents from Dayak non-governmental organisations, community leaders and government departments.
Also taking part were 30 veteran Sarawak Rangers and 16 Bujang Berani or military heroes.
Parade participant Wattington Jan Lin Lajang displaying his Iban warrior's costume. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
At the head of the parade were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and other state leaders.
Dressed in the traditional finery of Sarawak’s various indigenous communities, the participants showcased their rich cultural heritage as they made their way from the Tun Jugah building to Kuching Waterfront.
Many contingents performed their cultural dances along the parade route as traditional music and war cries filled the air.
The Kelab Gagung Sarawak contingent all set for the Niti Daun Gawai parade. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Participant Wattington Jan Lin Lajang, from Kanowit in central Sarawak, said the Niti Daun custom originated a long time ago.
“Bemban mats would be arranged along the ruai (verandah) of the longhouse and people would walk on them from one end to the other.
“Daun refers to the mats and niti means walking along the mats, so that is the meaning of Niti Daun,” he said.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre, in brown batik shirt), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (third left, in red batik shirt) and other state leaders at the head of the Niti Daun Gawai parade. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Dressed in the full regalia of an Iban warrior, Wattington said he was honoured to be invited to take part in the parade.
“We can show onlookers and tourists all our different traditional costumes from the various ethnic groups.
“My costume is similar to the one worn by warriors in the past who took the heads of enemies, but nowadays we wear it for festive occasions,” he said.
Participants getting ready with their costumes for the Niti Daun parade. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Kasumawati Anum Zainal, who is of mixed Malay and Kayan heritage, was excited to take part in her first Niti Daun.
“I’m proud to wear the traditional Kayan costume, which was made by my mother.
“As someone of mixed heritage, I appreciate the different customs and traditions of both the Malay and Kayan communities, especially during festive celebrations,” she said.
A contingent from Persatuan Ngajat Asal Iban taking part in the parade in Kuching.
For Jessica Awing Ureng, the parade was an opportunity for the public to learn about her ethnicity as she comes from a small indigenous group called the Berawan.
“Not many people might have heard of the Berawan, so I hope to showcase our culture and traditions,” she said.
Other participants felt that the Niti Daun parade was a showcase of Sarawak’s unity in diversity.
Participants of all ages from Sarakop Indu Dayak Sarawak dressing up in their traditional finery for the parade.
Alicia Sandra Nisse Peter said it exemplified the spirit of Segulai Sejalai, or living together in harmony.
“As an Iban, I’m happy that the event is being held in Kuching, where a lot of visitors and tourists can see how we celebrate Gawai.
“It’s a proud moment to take part in it with people from other ethnic groups,” she said.
The Raban N36 Layar Betong 1 contingent was named winner in the Iban NGO category for best attire and performance.
Carolina Scaret Ekson, a Bidayuh from Bau, said Niti Daun should be held every year as it not only allowed the participants to display their traditional costumes and heritage but brought together Sarawak’s diverse indigenous groups in a celebration of unity.
Members of Kelab Gagung Sarawak in traditional Iban attire walking along the parade route. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
“It also opens the eyes of Malaysians and visitors to see the harmony and unity in Sarawak.
“In addition, it attracts the interest of the younger generation to take part in it,” she said.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) and other state leaders at the start of the parade in front of the Tun Jugah building. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Agnes Sipin Jabin agreed that the parade should be an annual event.
“For me as a Bidayuh, Niti Daun is a significant event that shows how we live together in harmony.
“It will also help to preserve our rich traditions for youths and future generations,” she said.
Alicia says Niti Daun exemplifies Segulai Sejalai, or living together in harmony.
Meanwhile, four contingents received awards for the best traditional attire and performance.
The winners were Raban N36 Layar Betong 1 in the Iban NGO category, Kampung Tematu recreation club (Bidayuh NGO) and Kenyah National Association Sarawak (Orang Ulu NGO), while Gabungan Orang Asal Sarawak 1 won the government department/private sector category.
