His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di- Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar yesterday attended a colourful `Berbedak` ceremony, rich in Brunei tradition for the royal bride and groom at the Istana Nurul Iman and Darul Karamah last night.
The `Berbedak` ceremony was the fifth in a series of traditional ceremonies for the Royal Wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and YM Pengiran Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Haji Jaafari.
The ceremony for the groom began immediately after the ceremony of Berbedak Diraja for the bride was completed. The bride and groom were fully dressed in customary traditional Malay attire and adorned with traditional ornaments.
The `Berbedak` ceremony of HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah began with YB Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela informing YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah that the ceremony was ready to proceed. His Majesty consented for the ceremony to proceed after receiving the message from YAM Pengiran Lelea Cheteria Sahibun Najabah.
Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah, His Royal Highness Prince `Abdul Azim, His Royal Highness Prince `Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince `Abdul Mateen, YTM Pengiran Babu Raja Pengiran Anak Hajah Besar and other members of the royal family.
The royal bride was brought to the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana led by Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.
`Hulubalang Diraja` and `Hulubalang Asgar` carrying the `Pemuras`, `Karga`, `Kalasak` and `Kampilan` and the `Dian Tunggal` carried by Pengiran Hajah Masni Pengiran Hj Ahmad also accompanied the delegation of the royal bride.
Also following were seven `Pahawai` women, each carrying either a `Puan`, `Tarian`, `Kabok` and `Panastan`, `Kiap`, `Chupu`, `Pasigupan` and `Kaskol, while `Dian 16` was carried by 16 Dayang-Dayang as well as the royal regalia comprising 40 `Sinipit`, 16 `Pedang` and Perisai`, 16 `Tumbak Bendarangan` and 8 `Kabok` and `Penastan` carried by Awang-Awang.
The `Berbedak` ceremony commenced with the reading of `Zikir Syarafil Anam` or `Zikir Marhaban`. His Majesty began the ceremonial powdering ritual or `menculiki` on HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah. A 17-cannon firing marked the start of the `Berbedak` ceremony.
The ceremonial powdering ritual continued with Her Majesty, HRH Pengiran Isteri and followed by other members of the royal family including the parents of the groom Pengiran Syed Haji Jaafari bin Pengiran Syed Haji Mashor and Hajah Dayang Sarbanun bte Haji Awang Abdi Manaf.
The ceremony concluded with the recital of a `doa selamat` by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz.
After HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nurul Bulqiah left Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, His Majesty officially closed the ceremony and proceeded to Darul Karamah for the `Berbedak` ceremony for YM Pengiran Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Haji Jaafari.
Istiadat Akad Nikah will be held Thursday at the Omar Ali` Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.
Source: www.brunei-online.com (7 Juni 2007)
