Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 melds cultural heritage with futuristic flair
The humanoid robot with ngepan Iban with the robot dog among the spectacle at the parade – Ukas photo
KUCHING (June 21): The Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 brought a vibrant fusion of tradition and technology to the streets of Kuching today, as 91 contingents marched in celebration of Dayak heritage.
One of the standout moments came from the Raban Betong 2025 contingent, which drew widespread attention – and praise from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg – with their futuristic display featuring a robotic dog and a humanoid robot, both dressed in full traditional Iban 'ngepan' (traditional attire).
The high-tech presentation was a striking example of how cultural identity can evolve in harmony with modern innovation.
Earlier in the day, the sacred 'Mamat' ritual was performed in the lobby of the Tun Jugah Building, setting a solemn tone before the parade festivities.
Pemanca Tony Kulleh (second right) alongside others gathered at the Tungun Belawing – Photo by Galileo Petingi
Echoing chants filled the space as participants sought ancestral blessings for a safe and meaningful celebration.
Traditionally linked to preparations for headhunting journeys and the paddy planting season, the Mamat ceremony carries deep spiritual meaning.
Central to the ritual is the 'Tungun Belawing', a carved wooden pole adorned with Orang Ulu motifs such as the 'bunga kerbu'.
Crowning the pole is a hornbill sculpture – a powerful emblem of honour, strength, and identity among Sarawak's indigenous peoples. Gawai Dayak parade high tech Kuching robots
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Borneo Post
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Kumang Gawai: More than just about beauty
Senorita in a photo-call, taken during the interview at her residence in Kuching. FOR over half a century, the name 'Kumang Gawai' has symbolised more than just beauty – it embodies the pride, culture, and resilience of the Dayaks in Sarawak. Traditionally held during the Gawai Dayak celebration, this pageant features women adorned in their intricate traditional attire and judged not only on their appearance, but also on their cultural knowledge, poise and personality. Said to have been introduced in the 1960s, the Kumang Gawai once held a prominent role at the state level, serving as a prestigious platform to honour Dayak identity and heritage. However, in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic, the event had been scaled down to a non-competitive format. Often likened to Sabah's iconic 'Unduk Ngadau', Kumang Gawai has long been considered as the 'crown jewel' of the Gawai calendar. Throughout the recent years, however, its visibility has quietly diminished – reduced to parade-style appearances during state-level Gawai Dayak open houses and dinners. Now, amid a renewed wave of cultural pride and heritage preservation, a crucial question is being asked: Is it time to revive the state-level Kumang Gawai in all its former splendour? Rooted in myth, identity Unlike mainstream beauty contests, Kumang Gawai is deeply rooted in the legends and folklores of the Iban people. The concept draws from rich oral traditions, where beauty is not merely physical but symbolic of grace, femininity, and the ideals of womanhood. In Iban mythology, Kumang is the heavenly goddess and consort of 'Keling' – the celestial hero and archetypal prince. She is famed for her exceptional beauty and remarkable lineage, hailing from Batang Gelong, believed to be the ancestral land of the most beautiful Iban women. The ideal Iban woman, as personified by Kumang, embodies gentleness, resourcefulness, artistic talents, fidelity, and inner strength. These attributes form the spiritual and cultural foundation of the pageant – a search for the 'Festival Queen' and symbolic 'Heavenly Beauty' among the participating Dayak women. 'More than a crown' To explore the relevance of the pageant today, thesundaypost spoke to several former titleholders including Datin Senorita Linang, the first Iban to be crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak at the state level in 1966, and continued to win in 1967, and 1968. Back then, the pageant was jointly organised by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) and Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) at the Rumah Dayak, on a site along Jalan Satok just opposite the Sarawak headquarters of Bank Negara Malaysia. Photo of Senorita taken after her crowning as Kumang Gawai in 1968. A trailblazer in many respects, Senorita made history not only within Sarawak but also on the national stage. One of her highlights as a beauty queen was when she represented Sarawak at the Miss Malaysia Float Queen, held in conjunction with the 10th National Day celebration at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, on Aug 31, 1967. She was up against 13 other state-level queens and 22 non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, and emerged the second runner-up. According to Senorita, although the state-level competition has yet to be revived, Kumang Gawai pageants continue to be held at the divisional level. She noted that this year alone, competitions had taken place in Betong, Kapit, Miri, Sri Aman, Sibu and also during the 'R&R Borneo Cultural 2025' event at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak in Kuching – just to name just a few. These events also welcomed participants from various Dayak communities, notably the Bidayuh with its title 'Dayung Sagon' (literally means 'beautiful woman' in the language), and the Orang Ulu with its title 'Keligit'. There were also the competitions for the men, with the 'Keling', the Bidayuh's 'Dari Pogan' (strongman), and 'Berawan' titles. Senorita (left) in a photo call with the Top 3 contestants of the Kumang Iban category of R&R Borneo Cultural 2025 event in Kuching. 'All these reflect the pageant's growing inclusivity and cultural diversity. 'We still bring divisional winners to parade at the state-level Gawai dinner every year, except during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Typically, four Kumang winners and two Keling winners are invited, but the actual state-level competition hasn't resumed – there's no more excitement, no more competition,' said the former manager of Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) Performing Arts, when met at her residence recently. Nevertheless, Senorita – a respected cultural custodian and long-time organiser of the event – believed that the value of Kumang Gawai remained undiminished. 'We should be proud to show our culture – not only at the state level, but even at national and international levels. 'It's a celebration of who we are.' A platform for identity Angela Martin, the state-level Kumang 1995 winner, remembered the pageant as 'the highlight of Gawai festivities'. 'It brought communities together. We represented our divisions with pride. 'The pageant wasn't just about looks – we were judged on our knowledge of heritage, language, and customs,' said Angela, who later became a Guinness Stout poster model in 1996. Jennifer Jack, the titleholder in 2003, described the competition as 'a catalyst for both cultural identity and tourism'. 'We should be aiming for something like the 'Unduk Ngadau'. Our version should be no less prestigious,' she stressed. Angela posing after she was crowned the state-level Kumang Gawai in 1995, representing Sri Aman. Beyond the sparkle of traditional costume and gold bangles, former winners agreed that Kumang Gawai was never about aesthetics alone, as it served as a cultural incubator – grooming leadership, public speaking skills, and nurturing deeper understanding of Dayak heritage. Marcella Shareen Mos, a finalist and Miss Fair & Lovely Gawai Tourism Night 2004, recalled how the competition had empowered her and many other women. 'Kumang Gawai is not just a beauty pageant. You learn to carry yourself in public, speak with pride about your culture, and represent your people. 'It also acted as a bridge for cultural exchange. 'People would ask about your attire, your beads, your language – it could open conversations, and it could educate,' she said. Jennifer was crowned state-level Kumang Gawai in 2003, making her one of the last recipients of this title in the state-level competition. A forward-looking revival For many, the push for revival is not merely nostalgic – it is a vision grounded in modern possibilities. Jennifer believed that the pageant needed structural reform and digital transformation. 'We need a permanent organising body, like Sabah's Unduk Ngadau Association. 'Include past winners; tap into their experiences. 'Promote it widely on social media, get the tourism boards involved, and also add grooming workshops, public-speaking rounds, and cultural knowledge segments. Showcase not just beauty, but substance,' she suggested, to which Angela concurred. 'Use modern tools, but never compromise on tradition. 'Keep the mother tongue. Keep the 'ngepan' (Iban traditional attire) authentic. 'Don't turn it into a costume show for the camera,' she pointed out. Jennifer (left) is a regularly-invited judge at various local-level Kumang Gawai pageants. Engaging next generation There is growing optimism that a revitalised state-level Kumang Gawai could appeal to the younger generation of women, particularly the Gen Z seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots. 'With social media, you can go viral in one night, but still, we need to provide substance. 'Teach them the history of their attire. 'Let them visit the cultural sites, orphanages, and homes for the elderly. 'Make it a holistic, meaningful journey – not just a walk on stage,' said Marcella. She fondly recalled the era when the competition would span over several days, filled with rehearsals, mentorship, and community outreach programmes. 'It was tough, but it was fun. 'Joining a beauty pageant isn't just about looking your best. It challenges you to grow, to step out of your comfort zone, and to present yourself with confidence in front of others. 'Through the experience, I learned how to engage with people from different backgrounds and levels, how to speak thoughtfully, and most importantly, how to show respect for everyone around me. 'It's an opportunity that not only builds self-esteem, but one that also shapes you into someone who can connect, inspire, and represent with grace,' she added. Marcella, looking radiant after she was crowned Kumang Gawai Sadia in 2000. The road ahead The idea of reviving the full-scale state-level Kumang Gawai has already sparked conversations among the organisers and past participants. With consistent support from the State Gawai Dayak Celebration Dinner Committee, which continues to sponsor the event annually, many believe a revival is not only possible, but inevitable. As Sarawak continues to assert its cultural distinctiveness within Malaysia and on the world stage, the return of Kumang Gawai is increasingly seen not just as a nostalgic dream, but also as a timely vision – blending identity, pride, and women's empowerment, wrapped in beads, brocade, and tradition. Kumang Gawai sarawak Senorita Linang
Borneo Post
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Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 melds cultural heritage with futuristic flair
The humanoid robot with ngepan Iban with the robot dog among the spectacle at the parade – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 21): The Gawai Dayak Parade 2025 brought a vibrant fusion of tradition and technology to the streets of Kuching today, as 91 contingents marched in celebration of Dayak heritage. One of the standout moments came from the Raban Betong 2025 contingent, which drew widespread attention – and praise from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg – with their futuristic display featuring a robotic dog and a humanoid robot, both dressed in full traditional Iban 'ngepan' (traditional attire). The high-tech presentation was a striking example of how cultural identity can evolve in harmony with modern innovation. Earlier in the day, the sacred 'Mamat' ritual was performed in the lobby of the Tun Jugah Building, setting a solemn tone before the parade festivities. Pemanca Tony Kulleh (second right) alongside others gathered at the Tungun Belawing – Photo by Galileo Petingi Echoing chants filled the space as participants sought ancestral blessings for a safe and meaningful celebration. Traditionally linked to preparations for headhunting journeys and the paddy planting season, the Mamat ceremony carries deep spiritual meaning. Central to the ritual is the 'Tungun Belawing', a carved wooden pole adorned with Orang Ulu motifs such as the 'bunga kerbu'. Crowning the pole is a hornbill sculpture – a powerful emblem of honour, strength, and identity among Sarawak's indigenous peoples. Gawai Dayak parade high tech Kuching robots
The Star
16 hours ago
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Sarawak's multicultural heritage shines at Gawai parade
KUCHING: Sarawak's rich multicultural heritage was on full display at the annual state Gawai parade on Saturday (June 21). Over 3,000 participants from 91 contingents representing the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities took part in the parade, known as Niti Daun. Dressed in traditional costumes, they created a vibrant spectacle as they walked from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront, accompanied by 12 decorated floats. This year's parade, organised by the Orang Ulu community, began with the traditional Mamat ritual at the Tun Jugah Building. Historically, this thanksgiving ritual was conducted before headhunting expeditions and to seek blessings for the paddy planting season. In modern times, the ritual continues to represent the core values of thanksgiving, unity, strength, and courage. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg flagged off the parade, accompanied by other state dignitaries. Participant Vanessa Livan Sigau, of mixed Kayan-Kenyah heritage, said it was her second time taking part in the parade. "I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my culture and traditional costume," she said, pointing to her beaded sash, belt, and feathered headgear known as tapung se'. Watt Enjup, a member of the Persatuan Kebajikan Terabai Menua contingent, said the parade brought together Sarawakians from all races to celebrate the Gawai festival together. "It shows that Sarawak has many ethnic groups, but we are all united," he said. Also participating in the parade were a contingent from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak branch and a delegation from North Kalimantan.
