Festivals – Tsagaan Sar and Nadaam

For Mongolians the beginning of the lunar new year in spring marks the start of Tsagaan Sar, the White Month or the first month of spring. Celebrated since Chingis Khan in the 13th century, when the distribution of gifts, release of prisoners and observance of prayer fomalised this festival.

It marks the beginning of the new year where all old enmities are forgiven, the mind an body cleansed, respect to elders given and the reunification of the family ties. New clothes are worn and rituals observed, all in an effort to make the coming year a good one.

Guests are met with the offering of the Khooz, a snuff bottle, and ritual cups of airag. Moderation and respect are stressed during this time of thoughtful contemplation of the coming year.

The major festival of the year however is the one held in the height of summer, Naadaam – a time to play. The festival revolves around three sports – horse riding, wrestling and archery. It has been celebrated for centuries and now since 1922, also marks the national day of independence. 

Of the sports, wrestling is the most “manly” and attracts greatest interest. Leather vests are worn by the combatants in order to gain a hold on the opponent. Progressing through stages the winners are conferred honors in the name of animals (Falcon, Elephant and finally Lion).

Contested by men, women and children, the archers demonstrate their skill by shooting at felt balls swinging from straps in the target area.

Horse racing is graded by the age of the horses not the riders. The race is all about the horse with the honors going to the horse not the rider. Distances are long and the races are very physically contested. Child riders are fearless in the way they urge their mounts faster to the winning line.

The winning horses have songs sung in their honor. Others are also encouraged to try again next year.