Dayak Festival 'Cultural Grand Parade' Highlights the Multiculturalism of Dayak Society

(Kuching, 21st) In conjunction with the parade and cultural float for the 2026 Dayak Festival, the 'Cultural Grand Parade' (Niti Daun) competition successfully showcased the unique cultures and heritage from all sectors of Sarawak's Dayak society.

The competition, held yesterday at Kuching Waterfront Park, was organized as part of the peak festivities for the state-level Dayak Festival in Sarawak for 2026.

The event brought together various Dayak associations, organizations, and communities to showcase their unique cultures, traditional attire, arts, and ethnic identities, with 114 teams taking part in this edition.

This year's competition featured four categories: Ulu group, Bidayuh group, Iban group, and Float group. The champion in each category was awarded RM10,000, while the first and second runners-up received RM5,000 and RM3,000, respectively.

The parade was officiated and led by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In the Ulu group category, the Sarawak Kayan Women’s Association (PWKS) took the championship, followed by the Sarawak Long Bawan Association (PLBS) as first runner-up, and the Sarawak Tagal (Okolod) Association (PTS) coming in third.

In the Bidayuh group, the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Samarahan Branch clinched the champion's title, with the Women's Section of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association coming in second, and the Asar Pinyawa Development and Cultural Association finishing third.

As for the Iban group, the Sama Indah Garden Creative Heritage Youth Club won the championship, with Rumah Minggat, Nanga Bawai of the Belaga Constituency taking runner-up, while the Kapit Sarawak Dayak National Association Women’s Organization (SIDS) earned third place.

Meanwhile, in the Float group, the Bau Kampung Kampung Gumbang Cultural Group claimed the championship, followed by Semban Ring Lady as first runner-up, and the Samarahan Indigenous Peoples Alliance (GOAS) in third place.

The prize-giving ceremony for all winners was officiated by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and chairman of the 2026 Sarawak-level Dayak Festival Organizing Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas.

Earlier, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari was also present as a guest of honor.