Gentle Giants Grace Malaysia Day Parade Near Istana Balai Besar

KOTA BHARU, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- A spectacular parade featuring two gentle elephants, Sanum and Chery, stole the spotlight during the Malaysia Day 2025 celebrations, held near Istana Balai Besar here today

More than 500 visitors from across the state joined in the 1.2-kilometre procession, with many donning traditional attire such as tengkolok (headgear), kain pelikat, and sarongs, adding a colourful touch to the festive atmosphere.

Programme coordinator and protocol officer at the Office of the Sultan of Kelantan, Mohamed Safaruddin Ismail said the elephants were chosen as a tribute to the past when these magnificent creatures were central to royal ceremonies.

“The elephants evoke a sense of nostalgia, harking back to when significant events at Istana Balai Besar were marked by majestic elephant parades.

“For instance, in 1845, during Sultan Muhammad II’s reign, an elephant procession was held to carry a royal letter from the King of Siam from Pengkalan Raja Muda in Penambang to Istana Balai Besar,” he told reporters when met at Masjid Jamek Muhammadi here.

After the parade, the two elephants from the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah were stationed at the grounds of Istana Balai Besar until evening, giving the public a rare chance to get up close, take photos, and marvel at these majestic animals.

The event was made possible through the cooperation of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Malaysia and the Kelantan State Wildlife Department.

Nik Rashidee Nik Hussein, 68, a visitor, expressed that the elephant parade perfectly captured Kelantan's rich cultural heritage.

“The parade isn’t just a spectacle; it beautifully showcases Kelantan’s deep-rooted traditions and values, and it’s an excellent way to bring people together in harmony,” he said.

For Noorsofea Qistina Abdul Rahman, 35, the experience of witnessing the elephant parade with her son Thaqif Alaudin, three, was truly special.

“It was such a unique experience. We rarely see such events in the state, and it was a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with my son,” she said.

-- BERNAMA