Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world.
Mixed marriages in Australia are increasing, as the population overall becomes more culturally diverse. However, there is large variation in among individuals from different countries of origin.
Cross-cultural marriages are defined as marriages between people who come from two different cultural backgrounds.
This is the story of an Indonesian woman who has surprised her Indian in-laws and friends by fully adopting Punjabi culture.
A similar commitment was also shown by her husband, who is still in the process of learning different customs of Indonesian culture.
Felia Tunggal is an Indo-Australian who is married to an Indian-origin man Mohit Sidana.
Ms Sidana told SBS Punjabi that they first met in a college at Melbourne in 2008.
"Mohit used to teach me at the college. Ours was love at first sight and we had no idea about each other’s cultural and religious preferences at that time," says Ms Sidana.
“I wanted this wedding to be an authentic Punjabi affair....such was my love for the Punjabi culture."
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‘Language is the key to successful cross-cultural marriage’
Felia Sidana sings Punjabi songs, cooks Punjabi meals and interact with her in-laws in Punjabi language.
“We live in a joint family and I’ve never had any trouble in communication. I guess if ‘love’ is the language, then you have no barriers.
“I often visit Mohit’s extended family in Jagraon, Punjab. Mohit spends a lot of time in Indonesia with my family. It was never ‘you’ or ‘me’, it is always ‘us’.
“Ever since our first day together, the bond between the two families has grown stronger.
“Mohit and our family in Indonesia are also running a business partnership in Melbourne.
Felia and Mohit Sidana shared the key to a successful cross-cultural marriage.
'I wanted this wedding to be an authentic Punjabi affair....such was my love for the Punjabi culture.' Felia Sidana Source: Supplied
“Marriage is always a two-way street. It has to be a genuine effort and the simple mantra is - do more and expect less,” says Felia.
“Nothing matters when love is in air. If there is commitment then things like language, culture, and customs become secondary," adds Mohit.
“But it can only be possible if you have love and mutual respect.
“Marriage is family matter. Families will have a stronger bond if there is understanding. The key here is ‘try not to judge’.
“The cross-cultural marriage trend is welcomed by many and vocally opposed by some. But thankfully it didn’t happen in our families.
is the familiar story of multicultural Australians, as they are today - trying to embrace their Australian identity, whilst staying true to their culture, identity and family. It's a heart-warming update on how multiculturalism is working in Australia and a colourful account of the country that we are evolving into.
Felia Tunggal is an Indo-Australian who is married to an Indian-origin man Mohit Sidana. Source: Supplied
Marry Me, Marry My Family airs Tuesdays at 8.40pm on SBS and is streaming now on SBS On Demand. Watch the first episode below:
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