Bandar Seri Begawan was abuzz with crowds of people from all walks of life, gathered to witness the patriotic and colorful celebration of the 39th National Day at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien on Thursday.
The grand assembly of the National Day took place at the Taman, graced by 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, along with members of the royal family.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Majesty’s son, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, and His Majesty’s brothers, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The event began with the singing of the National Anthem by the Choir Group from the Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI), followed by His Majesty inspecting the guard of honour before returning back to the Royal Dais.
The parade of participants was made up of 3900 participants.
A Silat Performance was also showcased by nine national Silat members who have won several medals at regional and international levels and a Silat dance performed by 60 students from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Pusar Ulak Primary Schools.
The ceremony also saw theme performance by 120 traditional musicians playing the Gambus, Gendang, Seruling and Gulingtangan, and 500 core group dancers and 2000 frame group dancers who performed a 7-minute performance alongside traditional songs namely Jipin Laila Sembah, Bandar Seri Begawan and Brunei Bumi Bertuah.
This year’s celebration retained the same theme as last year’s, ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’, which is still relevant as the Sultanate aims to realise Brunei Vision 2035. The celebration emphasised cultural heritage as the nation’s identity that remains relevant to the development of the country and the nation.
The National Day celebration concluded with a flypast of six Blackhawks from the Royal Brunei Air Force led by Captain (U) Muhammad Adib bin Haji Hashim.
Before departing from the Taman, His Majesty and members of the royal family consented to meet and greet the parade and field participants.
More details on Friday’s Borneo Bulletin
