Tsagaan Sar – Mongolia’s Lunar New Year

The celebration of renewal, family, and centuries-old nomadic traditions Tsagaan Sar, meaning “White Moon,” is Mongolia’s most important and deeply symbolic holiday. Celebrated in late January or February, it marks the arrival of spring, the renewal of life, and the beginning of the lunar new year. For travelers, Tsagaan Sar offers a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s warm family traditions and ancient cultural rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Meaning of Tsagaan Sar

Tsagaan Sar symbolizes:

• Purity and new beginnings
• Strengthening family bonds
• Peaceful transitions into the new year

Mongolians believe starting the new year with kindness, generosity, and respect brings good fortune for the year ahead.

🧺 Preparation: A Month of Hard Work & Hospitality

Before the holiday, families prepare by:

• Cleaning their homes thoroughly (symbolic cleansing of old energy)
• Cooking hundreds of buuz (steamed dumplings)
• Preparing large plates of aruul, boortsog, and uuts
• Buying gifts, new clothes, and dairy products

Every detail is rooted in tradition and respect for ancestors.

🐑 The Holiday Table: Tsagaan Sar Foods

A traditional Tsagaan Sar table includes:

✔ Uuts

A whole steamed sheep or sheep’s back with tail fat — representing prosperity.

✔ Buuz

Juicy steamed dumplings, often made in the hundreds.

✔ Dairy products

Aaruul, tsagaan idee, clotted cream, cheese.

✔ Boortsog

Fried bread served with tea.

✔ Milk tea (Suutei Tsai)

Served to all guests as a welcoming gesture.

Food is central to hospitality — travelers visiting families during Tsagaan Sar are treated with exceptional warmth.

🤝 The Greeting Ritual: Zolgokh

One of the most fascinating cultural experiences is zolgokh, the traditional greeting.

How it works:

• Younger people greet elders by placing their hands under the elder’s arms (supporting gesture).
• Elders place hands on top (blessing gesture).
• Both exchange kind wishes:
  “Amar baina uu?” — “Are you living in peace?”

This ritual reflects respect, unity, and the importance of family.

👘 Traditional Clothing

Mongolians wear their finest deel, boots, and hats during Tsagaan Sar.

Expect to see:

• Colorful silk-patterned deels
• Fur-trimmed winter coats
• Handmade leather boots
• Beautifully embroidered accessories

For photographs, it’s one of the most visually stunning times of the year.

🎁 Gifts & Hospitality

Guests are welcomed with:

• Gifts such as sweets, money, or tea
• Fresh dairy products
• Vodka blessings (touched to the lips)

As a traveler, even a small gift (chocolate or fruit) is appreciated.

🚪 Visiting Families (What Travelers Should Know)

If you visit a local family during Tsagaan Sar:

✔ Enter with right foot first

✔ Do not step on the ger threshold

✔ Accept food with your right hand

✔ Taste at least a little of everything offered

✔ Compliment the family’s hospitality

Nomads welcome visitors warmly, and Tsagaan Sar is the best time to experience their generosity.

🧭 Experiencing Tsagaan Sar as a Traveler

Tsagaan Sar offers:

• Authentic cultural immersion
• Home visits & traditional meals
• Greeting rituals with families
• A chance to wear traditional clothing
• Once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunities

However, note that:

• Many shops and offices close for several days
• Transportation can be limited
• Families become very busy hosting guests

Travel with a local guide to navigate the holiday smoothly.

🌟 Why Tsagaan Sar Is Special

✔ An intimate celebration rarely seen by outsiders
✔ A perfect blend of spirituality, family, and tradition
✔ Mongolia’s culture at its purest and most meaningful
✔ A holiday that brings communities together

Tsagaan Sar isn’t just a festival — it’s a feeling of renewal and unity. For travelers, it’s one of the most unforgettable cultural experiences Mongolia has to offer.