Manifestations of love and loyalty towards the monarch and patriotic fervour filled the beautifully decorated capital on Monday as thousands turned out to witness the traditional Grand Parade at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
This event marked the glorious start of the 78th birthday celebrations 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.
In a spectacular display of national spirit, hundreds of students from all four districts, who lined the main road as early as 6.30 am, joyfully waved mini national flags, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the hadrah drums.
This festive scene greeted His Majesty and members of the royal family as they made their way to the Taman.
Upon arrival at the celebration venue, His Majesty was honoured with a 21-gun salute, with the national anthem resonating in the background, marking the official opening of the monarch’s 78th birthday celebrations.
Present at the ceremony were 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; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
His Majesty then inspected the guard of honour, mounted by personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Royal Brunei Police Force, and members of uniformed government departments and associations.
Cheers of goodwill echoed across the capital as uniformed personnel marched in unison to celebrate the royal birthday.
The highlight of the Grand Parade was the slow and fast march-past drills, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Pengiran Baharuddin bin Pengiran Haji Ali.
The grand display of patriotism reached its peak with the marching personnel’s three chants of “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik,” echoing across the Taman and reflecting the patriotic spirit and undivided loyalty of the participants to the monarch.
Concluding the ceremony was a fly-past by a fleet of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, leaving trails of colourful smoke across the skyline, much to the awe of the thousands of spectators.
Adding to the significance of the ceremony was the presence of His Majesty’s special guests, state dignitaries, grassroots leaders, and other distinguished persons, all adorned in traditional costumes representing their rank and status.
The traditional Grand Parade is the beginning of numerous events planned to enliven His Majesty’s birthday celebrations, including the much-anticipated get-together and Junjung Ziarah ceremonies with citizens and residents from all four districts of the country.
