KUCHING: A fire dragon featuring a Sarawak hornbill on its head took centre stage at the Seng Ong deity's birthday procession here on Thursday (April 9) evening.
Locally crafted by the Lien Heng Wushu Association, the 90m-long dragon was one of 222 troupes taking part in the annual procession.
The association chairman Ronny Chin said it took 18 members 28 days to make the costume from grass, bamboo, metal wire and other recycled materials.
"What made it special this year is that we included Sarawak cultural elements in the dragon's design. We have hornbill feathers blending with the traditional Chinese design. We also used Dayak and orang asli motifs," he said.
Chin said this was the longest dragon costume made by the association, while last year's costume measured 87.8m. A total of 38 people carried the fire dragon along the 7km route as devotees placed joss sticks in it for good fortune.
At the end of the procession, the body of the fire dragon was burnt, accompanied by prayers for its return to heaven.
"We will keep the dragon's head at our association's headquarters," Chin said.
Organised by the Kuching Hokkien Association, the procession set out from Hong San Si temple with lion and dragon dance troupes, decorated floats and Chinese cultural performances.
They were joined by Malay drum troupe Kumpulan Hadrah Sri Melati and indigenous performers from Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah Sarawak, reflecting multicultural harmony.
Kuching Hokkien Association president Datuk Richard Wee said the procession had grown to become a major cultural event in the city.
"We had one of the largest participant turnouts this year with 222 troupes," he said, adding that it could potentially be added to the state's calendar of tourism events.
