Hawana: The HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival is being held today at Panggung Sari, Kompleks Kraf, as part of the build-up to the main National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the festival is themed "Journalism and Technology" and is organised by Bernama in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). It features eight teams from various prominent organisations, including the Malaysian Broadcasting Department (RTM), Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), TV3, Astro Audio News, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Media Selangor, and Bernama.

Participants in the competition are showcasing their talents while dressed in traditional Malay warrior and heroine-inspired attire, which underscores the cultural heritage and adds an aesthetic dimension to the event. The judging panel for the competition includes DBP academic language planner Dr. Faezah Muhayat, DBP Central Region language planner Musazliza Mustan Shir, and DBP language planner Azimin Daud.

The event is further enlivened by TV3 host Ahmad Fedtri Yahya, who serves as the jurupantun (pantun host), engaging the audience with his dynamic presentation. Each team delivers verses that explore themes of journalism, technology, humour, advice, and unity, demonstrating their creativity and insight into contemporary issues.

The winners of the competition, however, will only be revealed at the grand HAWANA 2026 celebration in Penang on June 20. The ceremony is set to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The festival offers lucrative prizes, with the champion set to receive RM3,000, a trophy, and a certificate, while the runner-up and third place will receive RM2,000 and RM1,000, respectively. Additionally, there is an RM500 award for the Best Pantun Performer category, alongside special prizes for the Best Male and Female Costumes, acknowledging the creativity of the participants.