5 Best Traditional Mongolia Festivals

Home to festivals and celebrations, Mongolia probably is the land of merrymaking. While a few holidays are observed at the national level, others are celebrated locally. These holidays give tourists a chance to experience the local culture and watch the unfiltered version of this scenic country.

Let’s look at some of the popular festivals of Mongolia:

1. Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year)

Celebrated on: Based on the lunar calendar, dates might vary

The Tsagaan Sar (translates as Mongolian White Moon festival) or the Mongolian New Year is an important festival for the locals and marks the beginning of the Spring. This Mongolia festival coincides with the Tibetan Losar festival.

On the day before the Tsagaan Sar, locals thoroughly clean their house to get rid of the negativity. On New Years’ Day, the gifts are exchanged among the family and friends. Also, people prefer to wear traditional garments on the day. However, at the end of the festivities, families gather together for a feast consisting of an elaborate menu consisting of meat, dairy products, and dumplings. Tsagaa or rice and curd are served along with traditional cookies.

P.S: During the festival, locals wish each other by saying ‘Amar baina uu’? (Are you living peacefully?)

2. Khovsgol Ice Festival

Celebrated on: Usually around March

In the harshest of the weather conditions, the two-day Mongolia festival of ice is not meant for the faint-hearted. Annually celebrated in March near the frozen Lake Khövsgöl, close to the Russian border, this festival turns the harsh winter into something very beautiful. During the festivities, traditional archery competitions, horse sleigh races, bone-throwing games, are organized.

The Khövsgöl Festival of Ice celebrates the unique culture of Mongolia and honors its diverse traditions. See Mongolian Traditions

P.S: Locals participating in the festival wear traditional Mongolian attire.

3. Naadam Festival

Celebrated on: July 11 to 13 each year in Ulaanbaatar

One of the biggest celebrations in the country, Naadam is one of the most widely watched Mongolia festival. It is a huge sporting event, similar to the American Super Bowl, consisting of archery, wrestling, and horse-riding competitions. Interestingly, although the National Naadam is celebrated at Ulaanbaatar, at the community or village levels the down-scale versions of the event are observed throughout the country. Many travelers prefer these village Naadams over the crowded festivities in the national capital.

Women and men participate in the archery competition, while young children can participate in the horse-racing. Wrestling is reserved for the grown men. See Mongolia Horse Riding Guide for Tourists

P.S: Naadam of Khatgal and Dadal is very famous.

4. Gongoriin Bombani Hural

Celebrated on: Mid-August (dates based on the lunar calendar)
Gongoriin Bombani Hural is a traditional festival of Mongolia hosted in the enchanting Amarbayasgalant Khiid monastery. Hosted annually in the remote monastery, the celebration begins with special rituals performed by the monks living in the hermitage. Visitors to the temple can hike up to the eight white stupas surrounding the temple complex.

Apart from that, Tsam Dance – a specially choreographed dance by monks dressed in colorful costumes - in the honor of the protector deities.

Most of the locals set up elaborate camps in the nearby areas. It is an experience of a lifetime, and must not be missed by the tourists looking for an offbeat experience.

5. Ölgii Eagle Festival

Celebrated on: 1st weekend of October

Each year, with the onset of winters hundreds of hunters gather at Sayat Tube in the Ölgii province to celebrate the festival. Often regarded as the Golden Eagle Festival, is a visual treat where eagle hunters – people who hunt with eagles – dressed up in traditional gear hunt for the prize. Apart from that, camel races and horse games are organized.

Tourists interested in visiting the Mongolia festival need to buy an admission ticket.

★ Some other festivals worth mentioning include:

• Nauryz Festival
• Mongolia Yak Festival
• Gobi Marathon
• Chinggis Khaan's Birthday
• Ulaanbaatar Marathon