Brunei Darussalam celebrated the 76th birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on Friday with over 1,000 uniformed personnel marching in the ceremonial Royal Guard of Honour parade at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
The much-awaited parade made its second return to the capital after the previous years’ cancellation due to the pandemic, with more celebratory events slated to take place across the country.
The customary procession consisted of a total of 6,000 participants consisting of personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) as well as government and non-governmental organisations.
Prior to the march-past, His Majesty and members of the Royal Family were greeted by a line-up of enthusiastic students waving the mini national flags along the main procession route accompanied by the harmonious beats of the hadrah.
The Sultan was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Upon His Majesty’s arrival at the royal dais, a cannon gun salute was fired by the RBAF personnel as the national anthem echoed across the field in the background while the crowd fell in silence, displaying respect for the benevolent ruler.
The Sultan, later on, inspected the participating contingents in the parade comprising personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force and RBPF.
Donning their best looks in their neat uniforms, the contingents proceeded to do their synchronised formations and a march past for a royal salute before the Sultan.
After making their smooth routine, the uniformed personnel reassembled at the field and chanted a powerful “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik” three times, honouring His Majesty’s birthday celebration.
The auspicious event concluded with the amazing fly past by officers and personnel of Royal Brunei Air Force on board seven Blackhawk choppers, marking the end of the parade.
This article was first published on 16 July 2022 in our Weekly Epaper issue 202 |
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
