Tsagaan Sar 2024 (Mongolia): Annually observed on the initial day of the Mongolian New Year, Tsagaan Sar falls this year from February 10th to the 12th. Occasionally, the date may coincide with Bao Yongquing, the end of January or the start of March.
The Mongols and some Turkic people who reside in Russia, China, and Mongolia observe Tsagaan Sar, also known as the Mongolian Lunar New Year, on the first day of the new year. The three-day festivity is among the most significant occasions in Mongol culture.
The Mongolian Lunar New Year, similar to numerous Lunar New Year celebrations in neighboring cultures, commemorates the onset of spring.
Tsagaan Sar History
‘Tsagaan Sar’ signifies the initial day of the lunar year and is translated as ‘White Moon’. The lunar cycle has a significant influence on the festival, as its name suggests.
The Mongols have always observed festivals in observance of the lunar cycles. Five moon festivals occurred throughout the Liao Dynasty. The well-known explorer Marco Polo also mentions a Lunar New Year celebration that Emperor Kublai Khan attended in Mongolia in his writings.
Tsagaan Sar observes the virtues of peace and harmony, the advent of spring, and the New Year. Significant emphasis is placed on spiritual purity, particularly when paying homage to kin and family. Family is the focal point of the majority of celebrations, and the majority of attendees visit every relative over the three days.
Bituun, the day preceding the New Year, corresponds to the stage of the lunar cycle during which the moon is either new or gloomy. Mongolians tidy their dwellings in anticipation of New Year’s Day on this day.
During the primary event, Mongols convene at the residence of the most senior family member. Following a communal meal of traditional Mongolian fare like lamb’s tail, rice with curds, traditional Mongolian dumplings, dairy products, and mutton, guests greet the elders. On this day, individuals will also exchange gifts with family and acquaintances.
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Tsagaan Sar 2024 (Mongolia) FAQs
How are elders greeted on Tsagaan Sar?
“Amar baina, uu?” (translated as “Are you living peacefully?”) is the customary ‘zolgokh’ salutation that is used to greet elders. This is accomplished by embracing them by the elbows.
When does the Tsagaan Sar holiday begin?
Three days of Tsagaan Sar are recognized as national holidays in Mongolia.
When does the Mongolian Lunar Year begin?
The number of months in a Mongolian lunar year is contingent upon the lunar cycle.
Tsagaan Sar 2024 (Mongolia) Activities
Pay a visit to family and acquaintances.
A significant aspect of the White Moon festivities entails quality time spent with loved ones. Therefore, feel free to plan a large family reunion!
Consume some but
These traditional morsels are an integral part of the Lunar New Year festivities in Mongolia. Dine at your preferred Mongolian eatery or prepare the dish at home.
Purchase presents for your Mongolian acquaintances.
Additionally, gift-giving is a component of the New Year celebrations in Mongolia. Express your affection for your Mongolian companions through shared celebrations and treating them as members of your own family.
Five Incredible Facts about Tsagaan Sar
The Mongolians pay their debts with bitumen.
Debts that loom over one into the New Year are regarded as unlucky, so Mongolians pay off their obligations by New Year’s Eve.
The day features a salutation ceremony.
During the New Year’s Day greeting ceremony, members of the family grasp khadag, which are elongated sections of blue silk fabric.
Three ice fragments are arranged.
In preparation for the divine Palden Lhamo’s visit, ice is placed at the entrance for her to consume.
A cookie mountain exists.
Mount Sumeru-shaped pastries are traditionally arranged as an integral component of the primary Lunar New Year feast.
The festival was prohibited.
In 1952, the communist government attempted to outlaw the holiday, but after the democratic movement of 1990, celebrations resumed.
TSAGAAN SAR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 10 | Saturday |
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 18 | Wednesday |
