Celebrating together: Rohani Sutan, 68, (right) serving ketupat to Hong Siam as other family members look on. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Ever since they got married in 2021, Kelvin Tan and Sharizan Rosli have been celebrating two festivals in a year.
The couple, both aged 37, have exemplified the spirit of harmony by celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year with their respective families.
Tan, who operates a Chinese Muslim restaurant in Batu Lanchang, said like previous years, his parents would join his in-laws for a simple get-together at their house in Gelugor.
“Ever since I got married in 2021, both my parents and I have never failed to visit my in-laws during Hari Raya.
Likewise, they have been doing the same during Chinese New Year.
“To me, festive visits are meaningful as it can strengthen family ties, as well as encourage communication between parents and their children.
“I do not want our cultural differences to hinder our family relationships,” he said.
Tan said he has been mingling with other races since his childhood days.
He is grateful that his father Tan Cheng Kee, 77, and mother Tan Hong Siam, 65, were receptive to the cultural adjustments when he got married.
Sharizan, who works as an auxiliary policewoman at Penang Port, said their family ties were further strengthened after the arrival of their son Isaac Rafael Tan, 16 months ago.
She said during the festive season, her in-laws would buy them fish and other ingredients to cook curry.
“They’ll ask us to cook for them because they love curry. These small details in life are important to fortify family ties,” she said.
Hong Siam said celebrating Hari Raya with her son’s family has been a wonderful experience.
“We honour each other’s customs, and it’s great for the family,” she said.
Besides enjoying Hari Raya dishes, Hong Siam also learnt how to make ketupat from her daughter-in-law’s mother.
Sharizan’s father Rosli Ishak, 73, said it was vital to visit each other to gain a better understanding of one another regardless of race, religion and background.
“It is vital to us that our children and grandchildren grow up appreciating both cultures,” he said.
