Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar on Tuesday night attended the Istiadat Malam Berbedak for Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hjh Huda Bahaaul Bulqiah, the daughter of Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al Islam.
The ceremony took place in Jerudong.
Also present at the ceremony were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Zariah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Noor Ehsani.
The bride was led into the ceremonial hall by several 'juru bini' with the 'Dian Majalis' leading the way. Several `Pahawai' women followed the delegation carrying traditional ornaments such as the 'Puan', 'Tarian', 'Kabok' and 'Panastan', 'Kiap', 'Chupu', 'Pasigupan', 'Kaskol' and the 'Dian 16'.
The Berbedak ceremony commenced with the reading of 'Zikir Syarafil Anam' or `Zikir Marhaban'.
Her Majesty began the ceremonial powdering ritual or `menculiki' on Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hjh Huda Bahaaul Bulqiah.
The Berbedak ceremony is a major event leading to the actual wedding ceremony (Bersanding).
During this ceremony, various coloured powders mixed with perfumes are applied on the palms of the bride during the ceremony. The ceremonial powdering ritual continued with Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar and followed by other members of the royal family including parents of the bride, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al Islam and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Indera Seri Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Hj Idris.
The 'Berbedak' ceremony concluded with the reading of a `doa selamat'.
Also present at the ceremony were senior government officials, ambassadors, high commissioners as well as invited guests.
- Borneo Bulletin
(24th August 2006)
