The Royal Powdering Ceremony Part I

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (R) with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha during the Royal Powdering ceremony (Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja) at Istana Nurul Iman.

Their Majesties at the Royal Powdering ceremony

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

The royal wedding festivities for His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah continued with the Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja at the Istana Nurul Iman last night.

Immersed in culture and tradition, the Majlis Istiadat Berbedak or Royal Powdering Ceremony saw members of the royal family and the bride’s family take turns applying coloured powder and scented oil onto the palms of the couple.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, arrived at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana together with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and other members of the royal family.

The ceremony began with four Awang-Awang lighting the Dian Empat, a set of candles, before another pair of Awang-Awang placed the two-piece Kasur Namat consisting of a yellow mattress and silk mat at the centre of the candles.

In an exchange of formalities, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad informed Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz about the ceremony’s commencement.

YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria then duly conveyed the message to His Majesty. Following the consent of the monarch, the royal groom was escorted into the hall by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik was also accompanied by a grand entourage made up of 40 sinipitbearers or spearmen, along with Yang Mulia Juru Bini Dayang Hajah Rokiah, two Hulubang Diraja carryingpemuras or gun and karga, which is used to carry the bullets.

Smiles from Their Majesties

(From R) Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah Al-Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohamed Alam

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

The Hulubalang Asgar clutched the kalasak or shield and kampilan, a long blade, while the Dian Tunggalwas carried by Awang-Awang. There were also seven Pahawai Lelaki or chosen men bearing a puan, atarian, a kabok and panastan, a Kiap, a chupu, a pasigupan, and a kaskol.

The Dian 16 was carried by 16 Awang-Awang, while other Awang-Awang held Alat-Alat Kebesaran Diraja consisting of 16 Pedang and Perisai, 16 Tumbak Benderangan as well as eight Kabok and Panastan.

Sounds of Dikir Marhaban filled the hall, prompting all attendees to stand up. Outside the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, a 17-gun salute went off to signal the start of the ceremony.
His Majesty then initiated the ceremony by placing coloured paste and scented oil onto the palms of His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik. This was followed by Her Majesty, other members of the royal family and parents of the bride.

A doa selamat was recited by State Mufti Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz to conclude the end of the royal groom’s powdering ceremony. Text courtesy of Rabiatul Kamit and Rafidah Hamit of The Brunei Times and images by Haqimie Fazizul (@haqimie267) of rano360.com

HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

(From R) HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah

(From R) Her royal highness princess Azeemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hjh Masna

The four Awang-Awang lighting the Dian Empat, a set of candles

The invited guests at the Royal Powdering Ceremony