KUANTAN: The wedding ceremony of Pahang prince Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah and his bride, Tengku Natasya Puteri Tengku Adnan, was a highly anticipated event as locals gathered to witness it on two giant screens at Padang Bandaraya Kuantan (MBK 1) last night.
Spectators began arriving as early as 8pm, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. The excitement was palpable as they awaited the royal wedding, held at the Balai Mahkota, Istana Abdulaziz.
The ceremony commenced at 8.36pm, conducted with full Pahang royal customs and traditions and attended by notable dignitaries, including the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who wore elegant cream-colored attire.
Also present were Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu, the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, and other royal family members and dignitaries, including Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
The ceremony began with Tengku Natasya Puteri's graceful entrance in a stunning white gown adorned with sequins. The groom followed in a matching outfit, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of a cello, adding a touch of elegance to the occasion.
The 'sirih lat-lat,' a delicate floral arrangement, became the focal point of the ceremony as Tengku Muhammad presented it to his bride at the altar. The ritual continued with the traditional feeding of 'nasi semangat,' or yellow glutinous rice, between the newlyweds, officiated by the Sultan of Pahang's sister, Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Puan Seri Datuk Seri Tengku Muhaini Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Following this, the ceremony progressed with the sprinkling of scented water conducted by Al-Sultan Abdullah, joined by Tunku Azizah, Sultanah Zahirah, and Tengku Hassanal. The bride's parents, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and his wife, Datin Seri Anggraini Sentiyaki, also participated, with Tengku Adnan playfully teasing the couple.
Additional participants in the sprinkling ceremony included Wan Rosdy and his wife, Datin Seri Burhah Mohammed, as well as Tengku Panglima Raja Brig Gen Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah and Tengku Puteri Seri Lela Wangsa Tengku Tan Sri Dr Meriam Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Sultan's elder sister.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic placement of the 'pancabicara' as a blessing for the couple, officiated by Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah, followed by a prayer by the Mufti of Pahang, Professor Datuk Dr Asmadi Mohamed Naim.
The royal couple, perfectly matched and radiating joy, was escorted by Tengku Amir from the wedding ceremony to the cake-cutting and banquet, marking another significant moment in the celebration. Tengku Muhammad and Tengku Natasya Puteri were officially wed last Thursday at the Balai Mahkota, followed by a henna ceremony on Friday.
The entire series of events was broadcast live from MBK 1 and Dataran Muzium Diraja in Pekan, allowing many to partake in the festivities from afar. Norma Mohamad Dom, 66, who attended with her youngest son, Fadzrul Abdul Aziz, 28, shared her excitement about witnessing a royal wedding for the second time.
"The first was the wedding of Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah last August. I truly enjoy experiencing these ceremonies, as it allows me to see a traditional Pahang royal wedding up close," she told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Khairil Johari Ramli, 50, arrived with friends as early as 4pm to ensure he wouldn't miss any part of the ceremony. He expressed his well-wishes for the couple's happiness, adding that broadcasting the royal wedding strengthened family ties and supported small traders who were allowed to sell goods in the area.
The royal wedding festivities are set to conclude today, with Tengku Amir lowering the ceremonial flag to signify the completion of duties, followed by a 16-cannon salute from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and a prayer led by the Mufti of Pahang, marking the end of the grand celebration. - BERNAMA