A wedding in Ipoh has captured attention online after a Punjabi couple incorporated Sikh, Malay, and Chinese elements into one vibrant celebration.
Dr Kajel Kaur, 30, and her husband Jonathan Bhatti, 30, tied the knot on Feb 14, 2026, at D’intan by Chinta Zara Wedding in Ipoh, a halal-only Malay hall primarily staffed by Malay employees and serving Malay cuisine.
Adding to the multicultural celebration was the couple’s grand lion dance entrance and performance, held in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
A Punjabi Catholic groom and a Punjabi Sikh bride
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Dr Kajel shared that the idea of blending cultures at their wedding came naturally to them.
While both the bride and groom are Punjabi, they come from different religious backgrounds. Jonathan is Punjabi Catholic, while Kajel is Punjabi Sikh.
Because my group of friends are very diverse, and so were my guests. I am who I am because of the people I grew up with,” she said.
A halal venue, Malay cuisine and a lion dance
The wedding ceremony itself was conducted in a traditional Sikh manner, honouring the bride’s religious roots.
The wedding lunch reception later took place at a halal Malay hall, complete with Malay dishes and staff.
Adding to the multicultural celebration, the couple also marked Chinese New Year with a lively lion dance performance, creating a unique fusion rarely seen at Sikh wedding receptions.
Guests were said to be thrilled by the unexpected combination.
They were so excited. The food and vibes were amazing. They loved the lion dance,” Kajel shared.
Malay friends handing out door gifts
In another heartwarming touch, many of the friends helping to manage the event were Malay.
Some even picked up Punjabi phrases such as “Sat Sri Akal” and “Ji Aaya Nu”, which mean “welcome”, while handing out door gifts to guests.
The moment reflected the couple’s close-knit, multicultural circle of friends.
Inspired by diverse life experiences
Kajel is also the former Miss Earth Malaysia 2022, and said her experience working closely with people of different races and religions has shaped her outlook on life.
I’ve worked so closely with people of all races. I’d be no one without them,” she said.
As a doctor, she added that serving patients from diverse backgrounds has also taught her valuable life lessons.
Every race and religion is beautiful in its own way.”
Jonathan, a former hockey player and now a National Hockey Umpire, is similarly surrounded by people of all races through his career.
The couple said they are proud and humbled by their multicultural background.
A message of joy
When asked what message they hope people take away from their wedding, Kajel kept it simple.
To always have joy in all that you do, and to organise your wedding in a way that makes you happy for the rest of your life.”
Their celebration stands as a reminder that in Malaysia, love often goes beyond race, religion, and tradition — blending cultures in ways that reflect the people we grow up with and the communities that shape us.
