Hari Raya Haji is also known as the Iduladha or Qurban in Singapore. The meaning of this festival is Pilgrimage Day of Celebration. This day is celebrated to herald a conclusion to the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrims who cover their distance to Mecca are given the title of Haji (for men) or Hajjah (for women) respectively. On this auspicious day of Hari Raya Haji Festival, goats or buffaloes are sacrificed ritually in the name of Allah (god) and the meat is given to the destitute and the poor.

As the legend suggests, Hari Raya Haji represents a day of prayer. On this day Muslims remember Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail, based on a message given by an angel from Allah. And in return Angels brought a sheep as a sacrifice in place of Prophet Ismail.

Hari Raya Haji Festival does not follow on any particular day of the month. But it can be said that its movable date generally falls on the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar.

Besides, Hari Raya Haji Festival as you already know is called the Hari Raya Korban also. Hari Raya Korban means festival of Sacrifice. Sheep, goats and cows are ritually butchered as sacrifices. It is typically done in the mosque, after the thanksgiving prayers are offered in the morning. Although it is not imperative religious duty for everyone, it's considered an obligation for those who can afford it.

Hari Raya Haji is a merry event. This day of celebration is marked by offering prayers in mosques and cemetery and visiting friends and relatives. Like Christmas and New Year, for this auspicious day shopping and good food is always planned.

Travour.com takes you to the Singaporean festivities with Hari Raya Haji Festival and many more.