Mongolian Holidays
| Mongolia Travel
Guide

Mongolia Holidays

Mongolian Holidays | New Year's Day
Mongolian Holidays | Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian Lunar New Year
Mongolian Holidays | International Women's Day
Mongolian Holidays | Men's and Soldiers' Day
Mongolian Holidays | Mother and Children's Day
Mongolian Holidays | Naadam Festival
Mongolian Holidays | National Pride Day
Mongolian Holidays | Republic Day 
Mongolian Holidays | National Freedom and Independence
Mongolian Holidays | Nowruz

Below is a list all of the public Mongolian holidays.

Being a former communist country as well as a country that likes to embrace its ancient roots, there are a lot of Mongolian holidays. 

The main rule of thumb for anyone travelling through Mongolia during the holiday period is to expect offices and shops to be closed. The state department store in the city centre is likely to be open on limited hours.


January 1:
Mongolian Holidays | New Year's Day

This holiday is a newer holiday for most Mongolian residents. It was first celebrated in 1947 influenced by Soviet Russia. From this time every year a  "new year's tree" is set up in Sukbator Square during December. It is said that the "Old Man of Winter" distributes gifts to children at this time. 

For many westerners (the author included), it can be confusing as if you have a Christmas tree at home, and Mongolian guests visit they will leave money on one of the branches. 


Mongolian Holidays | Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian Lunar New Year

Tsagaan Sar is a significant three-day holiday beginning on the first day of the lunar new year ("white moon").

The holiday begins at the end of January or the beginning of February it can be celebrated in Mongolia and China on the same day. However, this depends on each countries astrologers as both use slightly differing techniques for planning. 

This holiday was band during the communist period although it has made a massive resurgence since the late eighties. 

Preparations for this festival will include the cleaning and tidying if the home,  the purchase and preparation of abundant supplies of traditional foods, the purchase of many gifts for the many visitors one will receive.


March 8:
Mongolian Holidays | International Women's Day

Another holiday influenced by the Soviet Union marked in Mongolia as UN Day for Women's Rights; this holiday took on great significance after 1977.

In Mongolia, it is a time when women are given flowers and gifts. Many shops will and businesses are closed, florists will be open until the last flower has gone.  


March 18:
Mongolian Holidays | Men's and Soldiers' Day

Formerly the official holiday of the Mongolian Armed Forces, it is the Mongolian equivalent of Russias Defender of the Fatherland Day.

These days the holiday has become an equivalent to women's day, so men are not left out of the special treatment. 

The day does hold historical significance as on this date in 1921, Damdin Sükhbaatar led 400 soldiers against a superior Chinese garrison and won. Across the city, there may be some small parades and awards given to soldiers. 


June 1:
Mongolian Holidays | Mother and Children's Day

Yet another holiday influenced by the Soviet Union Established in 1949 by the Women's international federation.
This day is now held as a celebration of Children events held around the city and families will give gifts to children.


July 11-13:
Mongolian Holidays | Naadam Festival

This is now the 2nd most important holiday held after Mongolian New year and is undoubtedly the most interesting for visitors to Mongolia. Events take place across the entire country, namely the three manly sports wrestling, horse racing and archery.

The central opening festival takes place in Ulan Baton, with mounted soldiers in historical uniform, dancers, and musicians all wearing national dress.

After this, there will be three days of games. For many, the local Naadam festivals are more interesting as they offer a less polished affair. 

From 1950 July 11 also used to be marked with military parades and other events this was to celebrate the countries Independence in 1921 this stoped in 1993.


Mongolian Holidays | National Pride Day
(Mongol Baikharkhlyn Odor)

Genghis Khan's birthday celebrated on the first day of the first winter month.

The Ceronimes include raising the state flag and standing the traditional Nine White Banners, followed by presentations of the Order of Genghis Khan. Genghis birthday used to be celebrated on May 31.

Although this was never a registered holiday. 


November 26:
Mongolian Holidays | Republic Day 

Yet another holiday to make it through from the Soviet past t this day traditionally marks the adoption of the first constitution and the proclamation of the Mongolian people's party in 1924.

Most people tend just to enjoy the day off with family these days.  


December 29:
Mongolian Holidays | National Freedom and Independence

This newer holiday introduced in 2007 marks the anniversary of the declaration of Mongolian Independence on the fall of Qing rule.

The nations' leaders will brave the cold and hold a ceremony at the state seal North of the state palace. It can be an excuse for a day off with people who are interested in watching from the warmth of their home. 


Mongolian Holidays | Nowruz

Although not an official national holiday, this is still celebrated by many of the Kazakhs within Mongolia. Falling at the end of march Perian new year is an essential time for many central Asians. 

The president of Mongolia will normally deliver a public speech wishing the Kazakh people a happy new year. These days the regions in the far west have seen an influx of Nowruz related games. 



Koryo Tours
Mongolia Travel Guide

 

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