KOTA BARU: A spectacular parade featuring two trained elephants, Sanum and Chery, stole the spotlight during the Malaysia Day celebrations, held near Istana Balai Besar here.
The elephants from the National Elephant Conservation Center, also known as the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, have been trained to assist in managing and relocating wild elephants.
Visitors from across the state joined in the 1.2km procession yesterday, with many donning traditional attire such as tengkolok (headgear), kain pelikat, and sarong, 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 a tribute to the past when they were central to royal ceremonies.
“The jumbos evoke a sense of nostalgia, harking back to when significant events at Istana Balai Besar were marked by majestic elephant parades.
Big surprise: Crowds in Kota Baru cheering on as elephants Sanum dan Cherry made their appearance during Malaysia Day celebrations at Istana Balai Besar.
“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 at Masjid Jamek Muhammadi here.
After the parade, the two elephants were stationed at the grounds of Istana Balai Besar until evening, giving the public a rare chance to get up close.
The event was made possible through the cooperation of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and the Kelantan State Wildlife Department.
Nik Rashidee Nik Hussein, 68, a visitor, said 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, 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.
