Shower ceremony for Sultan and consort

Water from 10 rivers in Johor sprinkled on royal couple ahead of coronation.

JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor, Tunku Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and his consort, Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah, underwent the “siram tabal” or shower ceremony in the compound of Istana Besar today.

The royal couple who arrived at 3.30pm climbed nine steps before reaching the Panca Persada or stage for the traditional shower ceremony to mark the coronation.

Sultan Ibrahim was dressed in white Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga while Raja Zarith Sofia was dressed in matching white Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga.

The ceremony began with the doa recited by the Johor Mufti, Tahrir Syamsudin, followed by the “tepung tawar” on Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia by the sultan’s mother, Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah.

Hajah Khalsom then performed the “tepung tawar” followed by the sultan’s sisters, Tunku Kamariah Sultan Iskandar and Tunku Zabedah Sultan Iskandar.

After the “tepung tawar” was completed, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia underwent the “siram tabal”, performed by Tunku Kamariah, who showered them with water from 10 rivers in 10 districts of Johor.

During the ceremony, 19 women were seen holding trays and containers, nine women held up the shielding cloth aided by four members of the royal family.

The ceremony closed with the doa recited by by Tahrir. Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia left the scene at 4pm.

Those present include the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his wife, Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustamam and royal family members.

Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Johor Royal Court Council president Abdul Rahim Ramli, executive councillors and senior government officials were also present.

The “siram tabal” ceremony symbolises the cleansing of Sultan Ibrahim’s body and soul before assuming his official duties as ruler.

Sultan Ibrahim will be crowned as the fifth Sultan of Modern Johor on Monday at Istana Besar.

- BERNAMA