KUALA LUMPUR – In a country where many households predominantly observe a single traditional or religious festival, the family of interracial couple Nagarajan Karupanan and Choo Su San stands out as blessed with the unique opportunity to embrace a variety of celebrations.
This year, the two – who are teachers of vernacular schools – are joyfully marking their 13th Chinese New Year together as the Year of the Dragon unfolds.
Their unique union, blending Tamil and Chinese cultures, exemplifies the power of love to foster familial ties that transcend racial differences, a couple exemplifying the rich diversity and unity that define modern Malaysia.
With Nagarajan hailing from a Tamil background and Choo Su San from a Chinese heritage, their journey is a captivating tale of intertwining cultures, bridging divides, and celebrating the cultural mosaic that constitutes their happy family, complete with three children.
As they eagerly prepare to usher in the Chinese New Year, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love to transcend language, race, and religion, infusing their celebrations with colourful and cherished traditions.
Nagarajan, 41, a teacher at SJK (T) Batu Caves, shares his experience of an interracial marriage with Choo Su San, 42, also a teacher from SJK (C) Kheow Bin in Batu Caves, and sheds light on how they celebrate Chinese New Year together.
The couple, who will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary in June, first met in 2001 at SMK Gombak Setia in Selangor, while in Form 6.
Nagarajan, also known as Naga, believes that marriage should be based on love and trust rather than racial and religious frameworks.
“For me, it was not about getting married to a Chinese woman; it was about getting married to the person I love and believe in. When you love and believe in a person, automatically the family and the rest do not matter,” he told Scoop when met recently.
In the early days of their relationship, Choo’s parents expressed concerns about their daughter marrying an Indian man due to stereotypes associated with some Indian residents in her hometown. However, after marriage, Nagarajan shattered these ethnic stereotypes, and Choo’s family welcomed him with open arms.
Asked about their annual routine during Chinese New Year, Naga mentioned the mandatory dinner at a Chinese restaurant with his in-laws on the eve, known as ‘“nian ye fan”.
On the first day, the family engages in morning prayers at a Buddhist temple, offering special food to the gods and ancestors.
Following the prayers, Naga and his family celebrate the new year at Choo’s family residence, defying the traditional expectation that married daughters should follow their husband’s side of the family during festivities.
On the second day of Chinese New Year, they visit nearby temples classified as tourist attractions, such as Thean Hou Temple in Seputeh and Fo Guang Shan Temple in Jenjarom, to soak in the festive vibe.
Discussing the challenges of adapting to new cultures and customs, the couple expressed that it was not too difficult due to the similarities between Buddhist and Hindu prayer rituals.
“Even before marrying Choo, I had basic knowledge about Chinese and Buddhist culture from my Chinese friends in middle school. Over the years, I learned what to buy and how to participate in rituals and prayers with my wife and her family. There are more similarities than differences, it’s just the way we do things that differs,” Naga explained.
Besides celebrating Chinese New Year, Naga also participates in the Dumpling Festival, Tanglung or Mid-Autumn Festival, and Mooncake Festival with his wife and children.
Choo, in turn, celebrates Hindu and Tamil festivals such as Thaipusam, Ponggal, and Deepavali with Naga.
Addressing the challenges of parenting in a cross-cultural marriage, Naga stressed the importance of balanced cultural exposure.
“Equal exposure should be given to the children, so they realise both are important to their upbringing. Until they turn 21, it is our responsibility to provide them with equal cultural exposure,” he said.
Though their children are still young, ranging from three to 12 years old, Naga believes that instilling cultural practices, traditions, and communication in both Tamil and Mandarin will help them cherish their diverse roots as they grow older.
Welcoming the Year of the Dragon in 2024, Naga and Choo treat family as their greatest blessing and wish everyone good health and prosperity. – February 11, 2024