The ceremony to mark the commencement of work for the enthronement of the Sultan of Perak XXXV, Sultan Nazrin Shah Muizzuddin Shah, took place at Istana Iskandariah, here, today.

Held at the Panca Persada (raised platform) area within the palace grounds, the ceremony began upon the arrival at 9.50am, of Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim who were respectively dressed in green baju Melayu and modern kurung.

Their children, Raja Azlan Muzaffar Shah who is also the Raja Kechil Besar Perak, and Raja Nazira Safiya, were also present.

The Orang Kaya-Kaya Seri Adika Raja Shahbandar Muda, Datuk Ir Mohamad Othman Zainal Azim sought the Sultan's consent to start the ceremony.

Sultan Nazrin Shah gave his consent and announced the commencement of work for all preparations for the enthronement of the Sultan of Perak XXXV.

The Mufti of Perak Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria then led the reciting of the 'doa' and this was followed by a 17-gun salute and playing of the nobat by the royal musical ensemble, Kumpulan Nobat Diraja Perak, who were clad in blue baju Melayu.

The ceremony ended with a small reception called 'kenduri arwah'.

Also present were the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Puan Besar Perak Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah, Raja Di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain and Raja Puan Muda Perak Tunku Soraya Sultan Abdul Halim.

Others at the ceremony were members of the Perak royal family, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and state leaders.

With the Istiadat 'Tabal Adat' and 'Tabal Pusaka' ceremonies on May 6 and 7, Sultan Nazrin is also scheduled to attend several ceremonies in conjunction with the enthronement, including the Sultan Nazrin Shah Photo Collection Exhibition by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and the Information Department, as well as a thanksgiving ceremony.

The Istiadat 'Tabal Adat' will witness two major events which are the announcement of the enthronement of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak followed by the proclamation of the title of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Permaisuri Perak.

Both announcements will be made by Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja, Gen (rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin, a member of the Dewan Negara Perak, with the pronouncement of 'Daulat Tuanku' for Sultan Nazrin and 'Daulat' for Tuanku Zara Salim three times.

The 'Adat Bersiram Tabal' (bathing ceremony) with water from seven river mouths will be carried out in the morning of May 7.

This is followed by the 'Tabal Pusaka' ceremony which is the handing-over of 16 royal regalia items such as the Pedang Cura Si Manja Kini and Geliga Embun, as well as the nobat to Sultan Nazrin Shah.