For Liyana Fizi, Shah Alam, Selangor, is where the heart is. The singer-songwriter usually celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her relatives in their hometown. But even though she will be busy celebrating with family members, Liyana, 28, also makes time for close friends during Hari Raya.
It has become somewhat of a tradition for her to invite all her close friends to chill out at her house on the first night of Hari Raya, and to unwind after having eaten all the delicious food throughout the day.
“My favourite food to have during Hari Raya is cookies. I love kuih raya. I do bake some cookies, but they are mostly the simple stuff like butter cookies, almond cookies, cornflakes cups, chocolate chip cookies and batik cookies,” Liyana says.
Looking back at past Hari Raya memories, Liyana remembers playing sparklers with her older brother Wafi as a child. The siblings had fun playing around, pretending that the sparklers were like magic wands!
Back then, she also looked forward to receiving “duit raya” but now, it is her turn to hand them out to her younger cousins, nephews and nieces, as well as her grand aunts and uncles.
The significance of Hari Raya has definitely evolved for Liyana today as compared to when she was younger.
“As a child it was more about the fun, food, duit raya, and more fun,” Liyana shares. Now that she’s all grown up (ahem) Hari Raya holds a deeper meaning for her as the celebration is more about gratitude, family togetherness and forgiveness. — By Marcia Anne Gandhi
Liyana Fizi is releasing her debut solo album, Between The Lines, next month. It features 10 tracks, including the singles Light Writing and Jatuh.
Tell us what you think!