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(Wisma Negeri) in the background. Last modified in 1912, the sole purpose of the three-tiered Balai Nobat, an octagonal tower with an Islamic-style dome at the top, is to store the 9 piece set of nobat musical instruments for the royal orchestra. Heard only during certain royal ceremonies, the nobat can only be played with permission from the ruling sultan, & only the musicians & their appointed assistants are allowed to touch & handle the instruments. It is believed that the Nobat originated from Hindustan centuries ago & was brought to Kedah when one of the brothers of the then ruling Sultan made a visit there. This tower is now closed to the public. Visitors must obtain prior permission from the State Secretariat in order to view the nobat, Apparently, you can hear the music every evening when the nobat musicians assemble to play during the two evening prayer times at the mosque.
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Asia
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