Thanksgiving prayers to mark His Majesty's 62nd birthday anniversary was held last night at Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Kampong Kiarong.

The event began at around 5.45pm with the arrival of the working committee members and members of the public, followed by state dignitaries and VIP guests.

This was followed by the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family.

After a call for prayer, a mass Maghrib prayer was led by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim.

This was followed by a Sunat Hajat prayer, led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Salim bin Haji Besar.

A recital of Surah Yassin and tahlil was also held, led by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman.

Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal also led worshippers in a mass Isyak prayer.

The annual religious tradition is held in conjunction with His Majesty's birthday celebrations. - Borneo Bulletin (15th July 2008)