SUNDAY VIBES
ALOR Star has been awashed with yellow banners over the past few weeks and the people are excited. In fact, Kedahans, from all walks of life, can barely contain their enthusiasm while counting down to the day when their new ruler will be installed as the 29th Sultan of Kedah at Istana Anak Bukit tomorrow.
Like many Kedahans, I’ve been following news of the impending installation closely, eager to learn more about this important royal tradition. This heightened level of excitement among the people is more than justified. After all, it has been nearly 60 years since the state witnessed the installation ceremony of its former monarch, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah on Feb 20, 1959. Sallehuddin and his consort, Sultanah Maliha Almarhum Tengku Ariff visited the Langgar Royal Mausoleum on Oct 5, 2018. During the course of the Istiadat Ziarah Makam, Sultan Sallehuddin sprinkled scented water and flower petals on the graves of 10 former Kedah rulers as well as on the resting place of his mother, Tunku Ampuan Asma Almarhum Sultan Suleiman.
The third royal ceremony, the Istiadat Siram Tabal, was held at Istana Anak Bukit’s Dataran Kepala Tanjung on Oct 14, 2018. The spring water and Zam Zam water from the Istiadat Letak Kerja procession were poured into three earthen pots and named Air Siram Taubat, Air Siram Selamat and Air Siram Syukur.
The Royal Pawai or Guards, Datin Paduka Datuk Tunku Kamaliah Almarhum Sultan Badlishah and Datin Paduka Tunku Nafisah Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, poured water from the pots on Sultan Sallehuddin and Sultanah Maliha while Kedah Mufti Datuk Syeikh Fadzil Awang conducted the final pour together with a prayer recital.