Kelantan royal crown goes on public display for first time

 

The centuries-old royal regalia is the centrepiece of the 21-day Heritage Weapons Festival at Istana Balai Besar, which begins today. NSTP/WANNA ABDUL RAHIM

KOTA BARU: A centuries-old symbol of Kelantan's royalty is stepping into the public spotlight for the first time, with the Kelantan royal crown going on display at the Heritage Weapons Festival here.

The 21-day festival, which begins today, is being held at Istana Balai Besar and will feature the rare royal regalia among its main attractions.

Kelantan Sultan's Office protocol officer Mohamed Safaruddin Ismail said the crown was one of the state's most significant royal artefacts and a symbol of the sovereignty of the Kelantan Sultanate.

He said Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V had consented to the crown being displayed publicly, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see it up close.

"For those who have never seen the crown, this is a rare opportunity. We invite the public to come and see it for themselves.

"The exhibition is not only about weapons but also about preserving and introducing Kelantan's rich royal and cultural heritage to the public," he said when met.

Safaruddin said the festival would also showcase about 250 traditional weapons, including kelewang, parang jambu, badik Kelantan, axes, lawi ayam, lawi itik and various types of keris.

Safaruddin says about 250 traditional weapons and various types of keris are on display at the Heritage Weapons Festival. NSTP/WANNA ABDUL RAHIM

"The collection will also include manuscripts, traditional artefacts and Kelantan currency, making this an exhibition that offers something for everyone," he added.

He said the festival, held from Aug 16 to Sept 5, was expected to attract about 50,000 visitors, surpassing the 42,000 recorded during last year's Textile and Kelantan Heritage Festival.

Safaruddin said the festival attracted about 30,000 visitors in 2024, with organisers now setting a higher target following increased promotional efforts.

"The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) and Tourism Kelantan are helping to promote the festival, including in Jakarta and southern Thailand.

"We are also expecting visitors from Singapore, Indonesia and other countries, while southern Thai visitors are also expected to make the trip across the border," he said.

He said admission to the festival was free, with the exhibition open from 9am to 10pm daily.

The festival is a joint effort involving the Kelantan State Museum Corporation, Kraftangan Malaysia and individual collectors.

Safaruddin said the event would provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship behind traditional weapons while learning about the state's royal history and cultural identity.

"These are not merely old weapons or artefacts. Each piece carries its own history and reflects the skills, traditions and identity of the people of Kelantan," he said.

Meanwhile, information displayed at the exhibition states that the crown was crafted during the reign of Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV from 16 bungkal of pure gold and decorated with a young dala leaf motif.

The centre of the crown bears the emblem of the Kelantan state, while its pinnacle features a crescent moon and five-pointed star. Its interior is lined with royal blue velvet to accentuate the gleaming gold.

During the reign of Sultan Yahya Petra, 473 diamonds, 52 emeralds and rubies were added to the crown, while a further 721 diamonds and 44 emeralds were added during the reign of Sultan Ismail Petra.

With the royal crown taking centre stage, the festival offers visitors a rare glimpse into a part of Kelantan's royal heritage that has traditionally remained away from public view. - NST