KUCHING: With the rhythmic beats of Chinese drums, Malay kompang and gendang blending harmoniously in the background, thousands of people gathered here today to celebrate and witness the Seng Ong deity’s birthday celebration.
The streets of Wayang Street and its surroundings came alive with a grand procession of 222 troupes, including the Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah Sarawak (GOASS) group and cultural performers.
The highlights of the day were the mesmerising sight of two magnificent dragons, a 280-foot fire dragon and an awe-inspiring 500-foot green dragon, specially ordered from Vietnam.
There were also decorated floats, lion and dragon dances, opera performances, and musical showcases.
Kuching Hockien Association (KHA) president Datuk Richard Wee hoped the event would gain greater recognition as part of Sarawak’s tourism calendar.
“We have spoken to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and we hope this can be a major tourism attraction,” he said to reporters.
He added that the event had already attracted attention from outside the state, with participants from Sabah taking part in the procession.
“I hope it can evolve into a more internationally recognised event,” he said.
Organised by KHA Hong San Si Temple, the annual procession began at 3.30 pm, building anticipation before the momentous release of the Seng Ong deity’s statue at 6.30 pm.
Earlier, from as early as 2 pm, devotees and spectators thronged the area, eager to witness the procession.
Commencing from Wayang Street, the procession passed through Jalan Tabuan, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Bukit Mata, Main Bazaar, Jalan Gambier, Market Street, Khoo Hun Yeang Street, Jalan Tun Haji Openg, Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street before returning to Wayang Street.
Meanwhile, beyond the main event, the celebration will continue with a series of performances at the drama stage opposite the century-old temple.
Visitors can enjoy lion and dragon dances, traditional singing and dancing until March 28, and a Chinese opera until March 23.
Cultural dance performances will take centre stage from March 24 to 28, featuring talents from the Anak Sarawak Performing Arts (ASPA), Sri Ruthra Kaliamman Urumi Melam, and GOASS.
