1 MALAYSIA - we're getting married!

Malaysia's multi-ethnicity and multiculturism astounds even her own people. Yes, we're so colourful and so diverse , a melting pot that is heaven-sent.

I caught the different weddings of our people at the Central Market. It was themed Perkhawinan Seni Satu Malaysia (Weddings - One Malaysia). As a Malaysian, I'm proud of the diversity that is our life. Malaysians have always embraced and loved our plurality, which enriches our lives and understanding of each other whilst maintaining our own traditions to keep them alive and unique.

It was a big open air invitation to All weddings, calling on all to celebrate! Many locals and tourists were enthralled, some curious as the traditions are still alive and in our midst. Here is a sneak peep of the colours of Malaysia. Hey ! we're getting married!!


'They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies' (Guru Amar Das Pauri, Pg.788)

A Sikh wedding can take place in a home or a gurdwara ('guru's door) as long as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib has been respectfully installed. Anand Karaj is the prescribed form of Sikh wedding and it means 'Blissful Union', whereby two individuals are joined in equal partnership. A Sikh wedding is usually arranged but the ultimate choice is between the boy and the girl.


Prior to a Chinese wedding, is the bethrothal which is always chosen on an auspicious day. Before the wedding ceremony, double wedding cakes and invitations are sent out. On the wedding day, the families perform the 'hair dressing' and 'capping' rituals. The groom goes to the bride's home and he is blocked by her friends at the door. The bridesmaids play a door game with the groom and attendants. Later they leave for the groom's home for the tea ceremony. It ends with an elaborate wedding feast.

The Tok Batin (chieftain) officiates an Orang Asli wedding. The highlight of an Orang Asli's life is to be wedded. When a wedding takes place, it is a village affair . People collect and prepare food for the grandest banquet ever in anticipation of the auspicious occasion. Tuak, wine made from sugar cane/banana juice is drunk during the wedding ceremony among the young and old. The chieftain takes puffs of a cigarette and passes it to the bride who in turn does the same. It is then passed to the chieftain. The marriage is sealed when the wali (Semelai version of priest) says 'saaaah!' to confirm the legitimacy .

Weddings are important religious ceremonies in Hindu religion. Different rituals have different meanings. A priest conducts the ceremony in Sanskrit . The thaali wearing is the highlight of the ceremony for it signifies the couple are now in union.

A Kadazan (from Sabah) wedding day starts early in the groom's house. When the groom and his congregation of friends and relatives approach the bride's house, the joyous Sumazau beats will sound on the ancient gongs. Everyone is served rice and drinks before the bride is taken to his parents' house.Before the couple can enter the groom's house, they must put their feet on a round stone at the bottom of the staircase. While standing siung, conical hats are held above their heads, symbolic of their union They can then enter the house. Rice is served to the couple. Before nightfall, the couple spend their first wedding night in the bride's house. Weddings usually last for 2 days.

There are two parts to a Malay traditional wedding. One is the akad nikah (contract) which is legal and religious before a religious officer and prayers are offered. Mas khawin is also given. At the bersanding (enthronement), the groom's procession of relatives, friends and bunga manggar ( palm blossom) bearing entourage will meet the bride. During the main bersanding ceremony, the couple sit on a dais .Family, relatives and friends sprinkle yellow rice and scented water to bless them. Guests receive the bunga telur (decorated eggs) to symbolize fertility. On that day, the couple has a royal treatment as it is their special day.


Central Market/Pasar Seni
Jalan Hang Kasturi
50050 Kuala Lumpur