MIRI: A burst of traditional colours, rhythmic gongs, and the rich scent of ceremonial offerings filled the air in Permyjaya here today, as hundreds gathered to witness a Gawai Dayak procession, locally known as ‘Niti Daun’.
Led by Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, the 1.5-kilometre cultural march brought together Dayak communities from across the region in a public display of unity, heritage and thanksgiving.
The procession began at 4:00 pm with a ‘miring’ , a ritual offering to invoke blessings from ancestral spirits , held in front of the field near Kolej Komuniti Miri.
With traditional garb, handcrafted accessories, and ceremonial instruments, participants walked with pride and purpose towards the Gawai Bazaar Miri 2025 site, where festivities are to continue throughout the month.
This year’s ‘Niti Daun’ was notably inclusive, with teams comprising 20 members each from various Dayak ethnic associations.
The turnout reflected the strong inter-ethnic cooperation among the Dayak Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and other indigenous communities of Sarawak.
Organised by the Miri Dayak Association (DAM), the event also saw support from major cultural groups, including the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (FORUM), the Sarawak Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and the Sarawak Dayak Indigenous Association (SIDS).
Permyjaya, a suburban hub of Miri, was chosen as the focal point this year to coincide with the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 , a month-long celebration of Dayak crafts, cuisine and culture.
The bazaar serves as both a cultural platform and a community marketplace, drawing in locals and tourists alike.
Among the highlights of this year’s celebration are the highly anticipated Kumang Keligit Dayung Sangon and Keling Belawan competitions, which will take place at Permy Mall on May 17, with the grand finals slated for May 24 at the Meritz Hotel.
Contestants will compete for the coveted title and a cash prize of RM5,000, celebrating beauty, intellect and cultural knowledge.
In recent years, Gawai in Miri has grown in both scale and significance, evolving into a major cultural event that showcases Sarawak’s indigenous traditions.
While the harvest festival is rooted in Iban and Bidayuh customs, it now embraces a broader spectrum of indigenous expressions.
As drums echoed into the evening and the scent of ‘tuak’ (rice wine) filled the air, locals and visitors alike were reminded of the enduring spirit of Gawai, a festival not only of harvest, but of heritage and harmony.
