'Bersiram' ceremony for His Majesty's granddaughter
By Amin Hosni

The "Majlis Istiadat Bersiram" for the second child of HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and YAM Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Hj Jaafari, YAM Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah was performed yesterday afternoon at the Istana Nurul Iman.

The ceremony began with the arrival of invited guests, comprising Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, Legislative Council members, senior government officials and members of the Brunei's aristocracy and nobility at the surau of the Istana.

Meanwhile, the female guests were led to the Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana of the Istana.

As dictated by the royal protocol at the Istana, a 'Bintang Petian', or a traditional teacup set was laid out for each member of nobility according to hierarchical status.

With His Majesty's consent, senior titled religious officials, or Pehin-Pehin Khatib, Begawan-Begawan Pehin Khatib and Mudim-Mudim took their positions at the centre of the ceremony to lead the "Berzikir" ceremony.

Soon after, four "Awang-Awang" entered the ceremonial hall to place the four royal candles or the "Dian Empat". This was followed with more "Awang-Awang" bringing in the "Surat Zikir", "Bantal Geguling" and "Pebarahan" into the ceremony.

The "Berzikir" ceremony began with the recital of the surah al-fatihah. The "Zikir Assalai", recital of "Rawi"("AlBerzanji Nasar") and "Zikir Assrakal" were recited by the religious officials. As the zikir wound down to the "Ya Habibi" a 17-shot gun salute echoed through the Istana.

The doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal to bless the occasion. - Borneo Bulletin (19th March 2010)


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