| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE Royal Procession along the main streets of Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday was one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Golden Jubilee Celebration 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’s Accession to the Throne.
His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam were seated in the gilded Royal Chariot drawn by 50 selected personnel.
Leading the Royal Procession was the Grand Chamberlain followed by marching bands from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force. A special customised vehicle carrying a Changkah (huge two-pronged spear) guarded by the Pateh and Damong as well as 40 bearers of Sinipit (decorated spears) and Taming (decorated shields) followed closely behind the Royal Chariot.
Walking ahead of the Usongan Diraja were two Panglimas (decorated army officers): the Panglima Raja who carried the Pemuras (a large gun), and the Panglima Asgar who carried a Kalasak (shield) and a Kampilan (dagger).
Also part of the procession were 16 bearers of Pedang (swords) and Perisai (shields) as well as another 16 bearers of Tombak Benderangan (spears plated in gold). Following behind was the Gendang Arak Arakan, a vehicle carrying an ensemble of royal musical instruments.
The historic event witnessed His Majesty, Her Majesty, and the rest of the royal family being led through the procession route in Bandar Seri Begawan, passing by throngs of loyal subjects and residents, as well as foreigners from all walks of life.
For this Golden Jubilee Celebration, the Royal Chariot has been touched up and given a modern design without sacrificing traditional and religious elements. The project to build it began in early 2017, led by Haji Awang Azmi bin Haji Awang Tahir, an architect at the Public Works Department.
At the left and right of its rear, the Usongan Diraja is decorated with five pieces of Daun Setampik – which signify 50 years of His Majesty’s rule. Five shields have been designed at both sides of the Royal Chariot, each decorated with 50 pieces Buah Kana, Daun Pawas and Daun Setampik leaves; while the remaining adornments of Bunga Kipas with five swirls of Paku-Paku, Tali Kalat and Butir Mutiara fill up the shield’s surrounding areas.
Apart from this, several other designs have also been added to both the left and right sides of the Royal Chariot such as Bunga Menjalar, Tempok Pedada, Bunga Pauh/Sigupan, Daun Berputar, Pasigupan and Daun Kimsai.
The new Royal Chariot is also decorated with His Majesty’s Royal Flag (Panji-Panji), Kindua, Rawai Lidah, Puncak, Mutiara Bersusun, Daun Selambar, Air Muleh and Bunga Putar.
Befitting ancient customs and traditions, the Royal Procession is testimony of the country’s longstanding monarchical system that has existed for hundreds of years.
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