We are jolly good back to travelling. This time around we are exploring the heavenly Kelantanese hospitality at the city heart, Kota Bharu. We actually got  to read and understand a lot about the history of the state in the chocolate coloured traditional Isthana Jahar. This royal residence in wood built in 1885 is still in pristine condition. It’s  upkeep is admirable. Isthana jahar is  a treasure house for history enthusiasts who love to understand the ceremonies, which in turn help is to relate to the cultural beliefs. The chocolate colour exterior may just be the right camouflage to the richly decorated interior  chambers clad in yellow silk. On  the ground level encased in glass are the various varieties of weaves and traditional clothing, ornaments, vessels. Climb up the winding ornate stairway leads to the first floor, with a lot of wooden chambers. Each chamber describes a traditional setting. As we passed through the chambers, we learnt about the care for the Sulthan and Sulthana, the care for the mother -to be , the childbirth and after care all the way up to raising the child to a grown up. The description to the tee allows one to recreate the […]

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