Regal ceremonies - for the wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, the daughter of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini bin Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yakub - showing the nation's rich traditions and culture continued with the "Majlis Istiadat Menerima Tanda Diraja dan Pertunangan Diraja" yesterday, which involved the customary sending of a delegation from the residence of the bridegroom bringing royal and engagement gifts to Istana Nurul Iman called "Tanda Diraja dan Pertunangan Diraja" as a show of affection.

The ceremony began at the bridegroom's house in Beribi in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, who has been appointed by His Majesty to oversee ceremonies on the groom's side.

The ceremony at the groom's house began with the consent to proceed with the preparation leading to the delegation going to the Istana Nurul Iman to present the "Tanda Diraja and Pertunangan Diraja".

The delegation carrying "Tanda Diraja" consisted of a young girl in traditional attire wearing bracelets called "Pengaluan" and "Geronchong", together with beautiful earstuds and a decorated flower headgear called "Serondoh".

The delegation also consisted of several men and boys bringing royal ceremonial tapestry containing clothing, a pair of earrings, a pair of bracelets and a pair of rings.

The "Pertunangan Diraja" consisted of a young girl wearing traditional Malay attire and "Pengaluan" and "Geronchong" bracelets, a "Kanching" (a kind of latch), "Puntu Azimat" (a kind of amulet) and "Jamang" (a kind of traditional circlet). The young girl was also accompanied by a young boy as "Pemutus Tali Jintong" also wearing traditional attire.

The delegation bringing "Pertunangan Diraja" also consisted of young men and a women Pengiran in full traditional costumes, followed by "Dayang-Dayang" carrying "Kaskol Langguai" and "Awang-Awang" carrying bronze wares containing "Surat Mahar" or 'Berian" and "Ganti-gantian" consisting of clothing, bracelets, earrings and rings, a royal tapestry containing 'Ceramai", "Kelakati" (cutter) and "Pisau" (knife) as well as 40 "Janar" carried by 40 "Awang-Awang" as well as "Dian 16" carried by 16 "Awang-Awang" lead by 12 "Sinipit" followed by Juru Bini Dayang Hajah Rokiah, whereas Royal Regalias, consisted of six "Pedang dan Perisai" (ceremonial swords and shields), six "Tumbak Bendarangan" and four "Kabok dan Panastan" (royal wares) followed the delegation.

"Janar" for the Brunei royal wedding ceremonies is the "Mas Kawin" (dowry) presented to the bride consisting of "Sesandang Emas" (sash of gold) referred to as Janar.

The presentation of the "Tanda Diraja dan Pertunangan Diraja" was carried out in customary sequences.

After receiving consent from HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the delegation from the groom's house made its way to Istana Nurul Iman, led by YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Hj Ibnu Basit bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Hj Apong.

At the Istana's main doorway, the delegation carrying "Tanda Diraja" was received by Pengarah Awang Hj Abdullah Sunny, who gave the charge to Pengarah Awang Hj Jaini. Meanwhile, the delegation carrying "Pertunangan Diraja" was received by Pengarah Awg Hj Mokti and Pengarah Awg Hj Kilali and handed over the charge to Awg Hj Abdul Rahman and Pengarah Hj Brahim, followed by 12 cannon blasts symbolising the "Tanda dan Pertunangan Diraja" has been safely received.

YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Hj Ibnu Basit was led into the Baitul Rahmah by Pehin Penyurat Awg Maidin and Pehin Penyurat Awg Hj Osman, accompanied by YAM Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Hj Alauddin, followed by the delegation carrying "Tanda Diraja".

After that, Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Mohd Zain asked for the consent from YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz.

The delegation led by YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Hj Ibnu Basit presented "Tanda Diraja" and 'Gangsa Bawa-Bawaan' (royal tapestry) to YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz.

Later, YB Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awang Mohd Zain sought for consent to go to the Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana together with the "Tanda Diraja".

The arrival of "Tanda Diraja" and "Pertunangan Diraja" at Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana was welcomed by Pehin Manteri Bini Datin Paduka Dyg Hajah Aminah and Pehin Jawatan Bini Datin Paduka Dyg Hajah Siti.

The "Dayang-Dayang" then brought in a replacement tapestry as well as "Dian 16" carried by 16 "Dayang-Dayang".

The tapestries were checked by Pehin Manteri Bini Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Aminah and Jawatan Bini Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Siti witnessed by the ceremony and those that were present.

The "Tanda Diraja" and "Pertunangan Diraja" was then presented to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha.

A recital of doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz. - Borneo Bulletin (19 September 2012)