KUCHING – The 2026 Samariang Festival, hosted by KJM N.7 Samariang at Kampung Sungai Bedil Besar, concluded with vibrant celebrations that highlighted unity, spirituality, and community development.
The festival, held in June, successfully brought together residents through a diverse programme of competitions and cultural activities.
Organisers emphasised that the event was designed to foster appreciation of religious values while strengthening bonds among the community.
Among the highlights were competitions in Zikir Marhaban, Hafazan, Azan, khat writing, Jawi alphabet compilation, and storytelling centred on the Prophet’s life.
These activities underscored the festival’s strong spiritual foundation, encouraging participants to deepen their understanding of faith and tradition.
The programme also featured creative and cultural contests, including Muslimah clothing, turban fitting, religious karaoke, and silat demonstrations.
For younger participants, colouring competitions provided an engaging platform to showcase artistic talent.
Culinary traditions were celebrated through the Arabic rice competition, while the Samariang Walk and sales stalls added a lively community dimension to the event.
The festival was further enriched by the presence of the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) and N.7 Samariang Assemblywoman Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
She was joined by DBKU director Encik Ramzi Abdillah, whose attendance reflected institutional support for grassroots initiatives.
Organisers expressed gratitude to participants, residents, and volunteers whose collective effort ensured the success of the festival.
They noted that the event was not only a celebration of culture and religion but also a demonstration of the enduring spirit of togetherness in Samariang.
The Samariang Festival has become a platform for nurturing community pride, encouraging youth involvement, and promoting harmony across diverse groups.
Its success this year reinforces the importance of local festivals in sustaining cultural heritage and fostering social unity.
Residents and leaders alike hope that the spirit of friendship and cooperation cultivated during the festival will continue to flourish, contributing to the progress and resilience of Samariang in the years ahead.
