Sparkling tribute to our beloved monarch
By Narissa Noor

The eye-catching decorations at the Jame 'Asr roundabout with the Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in the background.
Colourful lights decorating the capital's iconic clocktower.	One of the decorative lights that beautify and accentuate some of the roads leading to the capital.
One of the arches, resplendent in red and bathed in golden rays of light, that straddles the main road leading into the Taman Haji Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, where the birthday parade will be conducted.	The centre of the capital's streets are bathed in rich, warm and colourful hues of a kaleidoscope of lights. - PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Brunei Darussalam will be celebrating His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 62nd Birthday celebrations in style by putting on a whole new meaning to the term painting the town red.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, has already been transformed into a city of lights with its richly decorated myriad of lights, banners, arches and the national flags, which herald, once again, the centre of all the month-long celebrations.

Lights in all shapes, sizes, hues and colours, from glistening blue chandeliers to sparkling white raindrops, from the capital's landmark clock to the newly erected monument dedicated to the beloved monarch at the Jame Asr' roundabout, the explosion of decorations and colours in the nation has kicked off the celebrations in full gear.

Year after year, locals and tourists alike eagerly anticipate the grand spectacle of July 15. For our fellow Bruneians, it is their opportunity to show their respect, loyalty and love for the revered monarch. For tourists, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the regal pomp, national pageantry and royal circumstance of a Royal Celebration.

For the people of Brunei Darussalam, there has certainly been much to be thankful for. Although abundantly blessed by natural resources, pristine forests and peace and stability that is so rare in the rest of the world, the Abode of Peace vigilantly safeguards its advantages by the meticulous guidance and careful steerage of the monarch at the helm - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. This year alone, the country has witnessed many progressive leaps and bounds that have been deliberately designed to improve the welfare of the people of Brunei Darussalam.

Adoration and reverence for the sovereign will be echoed through the nation, as the words "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patek" will be reverberated by hundreds and thousands of loyal subjects around the capital, and echoing to the rest of the nation as a pinnacle of all the month-long celebrations.

But it is during this ceremonial guard of honour, at the birthday parade, to mark the start of the royal celebrations that His Majesty will receive the traditional 21-gun salute.

The colourful festive lights will not only envelop the skies alone. Bright ,colourful and majestic fireworks at Istana Nurul Iman are expected to dim the stars in an awe-inspiring display on the night of July 15, visible from miles away that usually bring throngs of people united together to stare in wonder at all the illuminations in the night sky.

His Majesty's birthday is one of the most important events in the national calendar with activities and festivities taking place nationwide. After the celebrations in the capital, His Majesty will tour all the other districts to allow several opportunities to mingle and be with the rest of his adoring subjects.

But the much-anticipated event will be after the birthday parade, when His Majesty the Sultan and Yand Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will deliver his annual 'titah' or royal address, followed by an inauguration ceremony at the hallowed halls of Istana Nurul Iman.

Huge crowds are also expected at the Taman Haji Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, in the capital, to witness the drum-roll and cadence and precision marches executed with military precision by all the uniformed services of the realm which will be witnessed nationwide on live television.

So over the next month, no matter where you are, you will not be able to miss out on the lively festivities with all the grandeur and spectacle as the whole nation celebrates together in displaying its outright love and affection, loyalty and allegiance to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on his 62nd birthday anniversary this July 15th.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin