Adib Noor
A 21-gun salute echoed in the capital yesterday to mark Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga ceremony for the royal wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah and Yang Mulia Awang Abdullah Nabil Mahmoud Al-Hashimi.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince, represented 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 during the ceremony at the Lapau Ceremonial Hall.
Accompanying His Royal Highness was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar and Dato Paduka Razali bin Haji Badar welcomed Their Royal Highnesses upon arrival.
The ceremony is a showcase of the Sultanate’s Royal Regalia and rich customs for special events such as a royal wedding.
The ceremony began with Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof informing Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris announcing that the ceremony could proceed, following approval from His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.
Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga ceremony began with a high-ranking court official, Ketua Juru Laki, entering the Ceremonial Hall and approaching the Patarana to beat the nakara drum which is an instrument played by court musicians.
This was followed by a Nobat Diraja performance by court musicians. The performance saw the use of nakara, serunai, labik, gong and chanang. The serunai is a wind instrument while labik is a cyclindrical drum. The performance was accompanied by 21 cannon shots.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah then announced that the groom was represented by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen at the groom’s Darussidiq residence in Jerudong.
The event concluded with a Doa Selamat read by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
The ceremony saw the attendance of Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, state dignitaries, Cabinet ministers, government officials, diplomatic corps and distinguished guests.
The event marked the beginning of Istiadat Diraja period, which will end with the Istiadat Menutup Gendang Jaga-Jaga or Doa Kesyukuran. During the period, dignitaries as well as the bride and groom’s family members will keep vigil at Istana Nurul Iman until midnight.
The royal wedding continues today with Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Pertunangan Diraja and Istiadat Menerima Tanda Pertunangan ceremonies where the groom’s delegation will bring gifts to the palace.
