Gawai Dayak Parade in Kuching to begin with traditional Orang Ulu ritual Upacara Mamat
KUCHING (June 20): The traditional Orang Ulu ritual Upacara Mamat will be a key ceremonial highlight ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade tomorrow here.
State-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Organising Committee chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala said preparations are complete for the main event, which will be attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with briefings conducted for all contingent leaders and 50 experienced marshals.
'Today, we briefed all contingent leaders and the marshals, who are mainly police and army veterans, on the dos and don'ts, and the overall procession order,' he told reporters before today's final rehearsal.
The Upacara Mamat, a traditional Orang Ulu ritual, will be held in the Tun Jugah Building lobby at 1.40pm prior to the parade, which is scheduled to start at 2.10pm.
Conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Belaga Kenyah community Pemanca Tony Kulleh, the ritual will seek blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the traditional and cultural parade.
Historically, the thanksgiving ritual was performed ahead of headhunting expeditions or to invoke blessings for the paddy planting season.
A key element of the ritual is the Tungun Belawing, a carved ceremonial wooden pole adorned with traditional Orang Ulu motifs such as the bunga kerbu.
Atop the pole sits a hornbill sculpture, symbolising honour and cultural identity.
While the Mamat ritual is no longer carried out in its original form based on traditional beliefs, its core values remain preserved, expressed today through prayers, thanksgiving ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
Reviving and showcasing this tradition is seen as a meaningful way to preserve the cultural identity of the Orang Ulu, particularly the Kenyah community in Sarawak.
Gerawat explained that although no longer widely practiced, Mamat remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a way of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to the younger generation.
Gawai Dayak Cultural Parade Organising Committee chairman and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the ritual reflects gratitude, shared achievement, and unity, which are values that Gawai continues to celebrate.
There will be 91 contingents and 12 floats for tomorrow's parade, which will involve over 3,000 individuals.
All contingents will be evaluated by a special panel to determine the best contingent in each of the three main categories: Orang Ulu, Iban, and Bidayuh.
Cash prizes of RM10,000, RM5,000, and RM3,000 will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners respectively, with consolation prizes of RM1,000.
Despite the event coinciding with the Rainforest World Music Festival, Gerawat and Chukpai are hopeful for a strong turnout.
'We understand the date clash is unavoidable due to the availability of our VIP guests and the venue. We hope the public will attend both. Come here in the day and enjoy the festival at night,' Gerawat said.
The parade will also feature special guests and contingents from outside Sarawak including Sabahans from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch.
Also joining the celebration is a delegation from North Kalimantan led by Vice Governor of North Kalimantan Ingkong Ala and Senator of the Republic of Indonesia and President of the National Dayak Customary Council Dr Marthin Billa.
Chukpai added that the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail is expected to attend the parade as a special guest. Gawai Dayak parade gerawat gala lead Upacara Mamat
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