Traditional ceremonies in the run-up to the royal wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah and Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini bin Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yakub continued yesterday with the Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Diraja and Pertunangan Diraja.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah graced the ceremony yesterday afternoon which began at the residence of the groom in Kampong Beribi, before the delegation headed towards the bride's place at Istana Nurul Iman.

It started with YB Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awg Hj Yaakub informing YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Basit that the ceremony was ready to proceed, who in turn instructed YB Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Awg Hj Yaakub to inform HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah that the ceremony was set to commence.

At about 2.45pm, the delegation led by YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Basit went to Istana Nurul Iman with a convoy of nearly two dozen vehicles.

The entourage for the 'Tanda Diraja' included a young girl fully adorned and dressed like a bride, wearing traditional accessories such as Kain Jong Sarat (songket sarong), a complete set of dress, with 'gelang pengaluan' (a pair of bangles), a pair of earstuds, four rings, 'gelang geronchong' (ankle bracelet) a pair of necklaces and other essentials to be used by the royal bride.

Each of the gifts would be placed in brass receptacle called the 'Gangsa Bawa-Bawaan', which is duly lined, decorated and covered.

Meanwhile, the entourage for the 'Pertunangan Diraja' included a young boy and girl wearing the royal colours (yellow) accompanied by Pengarah Awg Hj Kilali and Pengarah Awg Hj Mokti, respectively.

The boy representing the 'Pemutus Tali Jintong' was fully dressed like a groom, complete with traditional ornaments, while the young girl wore traditional accessories that included the 'gelang pengaluan', 'bergelang geronchong', 'kanching' (worn on the neck and chest), 'puntu azimat' and 'jamang' as her headgear.

The entourage brought with them brass receptacles consisting of the 'Surat Mahar' or 'Berian' (letter of dowry) and a pair of dresses, a pair of bangles, a pair of earstuds, a pair of rings as well as 'Ceramai', 'Kelakati' and a knife.

Forty Awang-Awang bore the 'Janars' on their right shoulders and women carried royal regalia such as 'Kaskol' and 'Langguai'. Sixteen ceremonial candles were also carried, along with other royal regalia such as 12 'Senipit', six 'Pedang' and 'Perisai', six 'Tumbak Bendarangan' and four 'Kabok' and 'Panastan'.

The entourage then proceeded to the Istana Nurul Iman where the Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Diraja and Pertunangan Diraja or royal engagement gifts ceremony was held.

After nearly two hours at the Istana, the entourage returned to the groom's residence in Kg Beribi where YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Basit informed HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah that the ceremony was to be closed.

A 'doa selamat' was then read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Salim bin Hj Besar. - Borneo Bulletin (19 September 2012)