Traditions And Customs Showcased In Royal Wedding
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Royal Wedding ceremonies between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pg Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah bte Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman officially ended yesterday with the 'Istiadat Menutup Gendang Jaga-Jaga'.

It was on May 15 this year that the official announcement was made regarding the marriage of HRH the Crown Prince. Since the announcement, preparation began to gain momentum and in the four months leading to the wedding no stones were left unturned to make the grand event glitch-free.

Different committees were set up covering every aspect of the Royal Wedding ceremonies, from cultural performances, media coverage, security and even transportation.

At its climax during the 'Bersanding' ceremony, about 200 journalists from all over the world came to cover the historic moment for Brunei and also the biggest event in Asia in 2004 as some journalists said. The Singapore Straits Times labelled the wedding as "Asia's Wedding of the Year" in one of its news articles.

The 'Bersanding' ceremony was even telecast live on TV and several foreign TV networks took live feeds from RTB and broadcast it in their countries.

Adding to the intense coverage was the presence of foreign VIP guests during the 'Bersanding' ceremony.

The list included new Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, former Prime Ministers of Singapore Gob Click Tong and Lee Kuan Yew, the Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Razak and the Japan Crown Prince Naruhito. They were joined by Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Others who were present included royalties from Saudi Arabia and Britain.

It was the start of the 'Gendang Jaga-jaga' that symbolised the beginning of the ceremonial period; a period of 14 days' nightly vigil that ended yesterday. For the locals it also marked the start of the celebration of the Royal Wedding.

The istiadat or ceremonies that took place after the start of 'Gendang Jaga-Jaga' included the 'Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Diraja', 'Istiadat Menghantar Pertunangan Diraja', 'Istiadat Akad Nikah', Istiadat Berbedak', `Istiadat Berinai', 'Istiadat Persandingan Diraja' and 'Istidat Muleh Tiga Hari'.

Concerts, cultural performances and not forgetting the stalls that were opened in front of the Royal Regalia building and the Jubilee Park, all were energising the celebratory mood of the people in the country.

The evenings were busy in the capital with people from all walks of life converging to grasp the never-ending entertainment on offer. Traffic in the capital at times could be described as `bumper to bumper'.

The Royal Wedding ceremonies were a focal point for many. The rich tradition and culture was at its best and perfectly preserved even in modern times. "Part of the Malay culture that is seldom practised elsewhere," said one foreign journalist. One by one the ceremonies and rituals that have been inherited from generation to generation were conducted, which gave the view that our local tradition is alive and well preserved.

For the young ones, the Royal Wedding brought a wealth of information regarding the tradition our country has to offer. All the royal regalias used for royal functions were conspicious throughout the wedding ceremonies.

'Puan', 'Kabok' and 'Panastan', 'Tarian', 'Kiap', Chupu', 'Pesigupan', 'Kaskol', 'Sinipit' and 'Taming', 'Kelasak' and 'Kampitan', 'Pahawai' 'Kasur' and `Namat' and many more were testaments to the richness of the Brunei tradition and so was the implementation of all the other 'istiadat' that bore significance to the lives and culture of Bruneians.

Brunei became the centre of attention and as one foreign journalist described, "a good way of introducing and exposing the country's rich tradition and culture to the world".

The capital and other districts were gleaming with decorations and colourful lights. Bandar Seri Begawan enjoyed a massive facelift as buildings were painted, gardens replanted and decorative lights switched on throughout the night. Posters, billboards and banners were placed strategically all over the capital and other commercial areas.

The procession following the 'Bersanding' ceremony itself was another story that needed to be told again.

Even the heavy rain failed to dampen the spirit of the Bruneian people as many had lined up along the streets to have a closer look at Royal Couple who waved and smiled at them.

The Royal Wedding between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pg Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah bte Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman brought worldwide attention to Brunei and opened a new chapter in the history of the country.

It also spoke about the strong continuity of the royal family which spans over few hundred years. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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