KUCHING: The annual Seng-Ong Deity Birthday Procession returns this Thursday with 222 participating teams, showcasing strong community support and multicultural participation.
Organised by the Kuching Hockien Association’s Hong San Si Temple, the procession will bring together dragon and lion dance troupes, temple contingents, clan associations, martial arts groups and community organisations from across Sarawak.
Among the confirmed participants are the Guan-Jiang-Shou troupe from the Miri San Tia Zi Cultural Association, Kumpulan Hadrah Sri Melati and GOASS Sarawak indigenous groups, reflecting the event’s multicultural character alongside traditional Chinese religious performers.
Organisers said the strong response highlights devotees’ deep-rooted faith in the Seng-Ong Deity and continued public support for traditional religious and cultural celebrations in the city.
According to the temple committee, registration slots were fully taken up within a short period, with several participating groups entering more than four lion dance teams each.
They added that the evening segment will feature the iron-fire (Da Tie Hua) display as one of the main attractions, together with the solemn Guan-Jiang-Shou formation, which adds ceremonial depth to the procession.
The participation of Malay and indigenous cultural groups alongside Chinese performers also symbolises unity and mutual respect among Sarawak’s diverse communities while enhancing the visual appeal of the celebration.
The Seng-Ong Deity Birthday celebration remains one of the most significant annual religious events for devotees, serving both as an occasion for prayer and a platform to preserve Chinese cultural heritage and strengthen community ties.
The procession is scheduled to begin at 3.30 pm from Wayang Street, passing through Jalan Tabuan, Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Padungan, Bukit Mata, Main Bazaar, Gambier Street, Market Street (Open Air Market), Khoo Hun Yeang Street, Tun Haji Openg Road, Pearl Street, Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street before returning to the temple.
