KUCHING, SARAWAK – The streets of Kuching were alive with excitement and cultural harmony as the Tiong Hock Kiong Temple held its grand Deity Kong Teck Choon Ong Commemoration Parade, an event that brought together more than 180 teams from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds to celebrate. Among those attending was Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Kapitan Tan Kun Gee and other local dignitaries. Who expressed immense pride in witnessing such a remarkable display of unity.
Celebrating Diversity in Sarawak
A Parade of Harmony and Unity
Deputy Premier Dr. Sim Kui Hian was visibly moved by the sight of the many non-Taoist participants in the once-every-three-years street parade, which had been postponed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is Sarawak! We come together for each other’s celebrations, laugh together, enjoy each other, respect each other’s religions, and strengthen our harmony,” he stated during the event.
He also reflected on the importance of such communal celebrations in Sarawak’s ongoing nation-building efforts. “It’s very sad to see so many parts of the world in 2024 becoming more divided. Here in Sarawak, we celebrate peace, unity, and respect for all,” he added.
The Grand Parade Returns After Six Years
The Kuching Petana Zhongfu Temple Guangze Zunwang Temple hosted the event to honor the King of Guangze and the Holy Mother, with a total of 180 teams participating, exceeding the original registration of 154. The last parade was held in 2018, making this year’s event even more significant as it marked the first parade since the pandemic began.
At around 4 pm, the participating teams gathered at the temple and began receiving pennants in preparation for the procession. Among those present to distribute the banners were Deputy Premier Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Kapitan Tan Kun Gee and other local dignitaries. The parade commenced with loud firecrackers, echoing through the streets, and the statue of the Holy King was carried in a sedan chair through Pulau Pinang Old Street.
Cultural Performances Light Up the Streets
Dragon and Lion Dance Teams Add Color
The parade was made even more festive by the participation of dragon and lion dance teams from various districts, with their vibrant performances energizing the crowd. Additionally, Malay drum teams and Indian performance groups joined the celebration, showcasing Sarawak’s beautiful cultural diversity and religious freedom.
Merchants and Devotees Line the Procession Route
As the procession made its way through the streets of Kuching, merchants placed tributes outside their shops, burned incense, and prayed for blessings. The sight of thousands of devotees following the sedan chair through the streets, illuminated by lanterns, brought a dazzling and awe-inspiring atmosphere to the city.
A Celebration of Tradition and Togetherness
A Spectacle of Lantern Dragons
One of the main attractions of the evening was the appearance of eight distinct lantern dragons, adding a burst of color and excitement to the procession. This year, representatives from other provinces in Sarawak, as well as Indonesia, also participated, making the event an even grander display of unity.
The Guangze Zunwang Holy Carriage Parade will be accompanied by seven consecutive nights of cultural performances, from the 21st to the 27th of this month, inviting devotees and the public to join in the celebrations.
Reflecting on Sarawak’s Spirit of Unity
In his closing remarks, Deputy Premier Dr. Sim Kui Hian reflected on the significance of the event, noting how it showcased the spirit of togetherness that defines Sarawak. He emphasized the importance of religious freedom, mutual respect, and harmony in building a strong, united community.
“Kuching is so lively today! It is events like these that remind us of the unity that Sarawak stands for,” he said with pride, encouraging all Sarawakians to continue upholding the values of peace and respect for one another.