| Azlan Othman & Hakim Hayat |
THE Golden Jubilee Royal Procession of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will take place today through the main streets of Bandar Seri Begawan, in a display of long-standing royal traditions and pageantry.
His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam will be seated in a gilded Royal Chariot, drawn by 50 selected uniformed personnel.
Leading the Royal Procession will be the Grand Chamberlain, followed by marching bands from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force. All along the procession route are decorated flags or Pemajangan Laluan, symbolising the colours of His Majesty, Her Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and other members of the royal family, as well as state nobility.
Among the Royal Regalia on display are the Changkah (a huge two-pronged spear), Sinipit (ceremonial spear), Taming (ceremonial shield) and the Gendang Arak- Arakan (vehicle for the Royal Court Ensemble).
Several uniformed personnel, or ‘Awang-Awang’, will serve as ceremonial sword and shield-bearers during the Jubilee Procession.
Their Majesties will also be hosting a State Banquet tomorrow for foreign dignitaries from Heads of State/Government of Asean member countries, neighbouring Malay rulers and members of other Royal Houses.
Yesterday morning marked the opening of the Istiadat Gendang Jaga-Jaga at the Lapau (Royal Ceremonial Hall) in the capital, which was accompanied by a 21-gun cannon blast salute, as the Royal Regalia and Decorations were being set up at the Istana Nurul Iman.
The Pemajangan – a royal decoration made of white fabric resembling a canopy – was also set up at the Istana Nurul Iman, following the opening of the Istiadat Gendang Jaga-Jaga.
The Regalia, symbolising centuries of Brunei’s monarchial dynasty, each carries its own meaning and significance. The royal artefacts usually are exhibited during royal weddings, coronations and processions.
The Pemajangan will be in display at the Istana Nurul Iman for the duration of the Istiadat Berjaga-Jaga ceremony, until October 8.
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