Celebrate Mongolian Lunar New Year: The Year of the Horse

February 13, 2026

Ariunzul Enkhbaatar

Head of Sustainable Development Division

Ariunzul Enkhbaatar

Head of Sustainable Development Division

As the Head of the Sustainable Development Division at GOBI Cashmere, Ariunzul is committed to upholding responsible and ethical practices throughout every stage of cashmere production. She spearheads initiatives in environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical governance while collaborating closely with herders to promote sustainable sourcing. Deeply passionate about Mongolian culture and the livelihoods of the herders who make cashmere possible, she shares stories of their traditions, the artistry behind cashmere garments, and how GOBI Cashmere remains dedicated to sustainability.

Author Profile

What is Tsagaan Sar?

Tsagaan Sar, aptly named "White Moon" in Mongolian, is not just a calendar change, but a vibrant explosion of tradition, family, and fresh beginnings. This Lunar New Year, celebrated as winter relinquishes its grip and spring promises renewal, paints Mongolia in colors of joy and anticipation. Imagine streets bustling with families clad in their finest cashmere silk deel robes, sharing warm greetings and exchanging auspicious gifts. Homes burst with the aroma of simmering dumplings and creamy milk tea, as elders weave tales of ancestors and spirits, blessing the year ahead.

Tsagaan Sar transcends mere festivities; it's a cultural anchor, reminding Mongolians of their nomadic roots, their connection to the natural world, and the enduring strength of their community. So, when the moon turns pure white, join the dance, savor the feast, and feel the warmth of this ancient celebration that rekindles the flame of hope in every Mongolian heart.

Roots of Origin

Historians believe Tsagaan Sar's roots stretch back to the Xiongnu nomads, who inhabited the Mongolian steppes around 2000 BC. Their cyclical calendar, influenced by the lunar cycle and solar solstices, laid the foundation for the celebration. The rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan in the 13th century solidified Tsagaan Sar's importance. He standardized the Mongolian lunar calendar and made it an official imperial holiday, emphasizing its social and spiritual significance.

Throughout its rich history, Tsagaan Sar has adapted and evolved, yet its essence has remained unwavering. It symbolizes a time for renewal, fresh beginnings, and strengthening family bonds. It's a testament to the Mongolian people's resilience and their deep connection to their heritage.

Preparations of Tsagaan Sar

In the weeks leading up to Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia buzzes with anticipation as families prepare for the year's grandest celebration. Homes undergo meticulous cleaning, shedding the dust of the old year like winter sheds its snow. Imagine carpets beaten free of winter detritus, furniture gleaming under attentive polish, and windows sparkling to capture the first blush of the White Moon.

Mountains of dumplings, "buuz," are carefully crafted, each delicate fold an act of hope and blessing for the months ahead. Shelves overflow with traditional pastries, their golden surfaces dusted with sugar like miniature snowdrifts. Each family makes around 1,000-2,000 dumplings for the celebration. The air crackles with a joyful tension, every stitch, every sweep, every fold a promise of renewal and shared delight when Tsagaan Sar finally arrives.

The Day before Tsagaan Sar

The eve of Tsagaan Sar also known as “Bituun”, houses wear their cleanest outfits, scrubbed and swept until they gleam like frosted snow. The day explodes with a flurry of final touches - sheep rumps roasting in open ovens, mountains of buuz dumplings plumping in steaming broth, and children weaving colorful ribbons between Gers. Bituun is a day of bittersweet anticipation, a pause before the joyous whirlwind of Tsagaan Sar, where the old year is gently laid to rest and the next embraced with open arms and full bellies.

Like the name Tsagaan Sar, many light colored and white products, mostly dairy products, are placed to decorate the table, such as white nuts, cheese, sugar cubes, candies, urum (coagulated foamy cream), and aaruul (dried curd) to name a few – can be put on the idee as decoration.

Celebration Day

On Tsagaan Sar morning, families will emerge, transformed in their finest finery. Men step out in deel robes the color of sun-kissed earth; their sashes woven with intricate knots of prosperity. Women's deel robes shimmer in jewel tones, adorned with delicate embroidery echoing the steppes' wildflowers. Children skip alongside, their deel robes miniature versions of their parents', a symbol of heritage passed down. Many people wear luxurious and elegant garments such as cashmere hats, scarves, or sweaters for mobility and comfort. As the first sliver of white moon ascends, Mongolia will stand united, adorned in the vibrant tapestry of Tsagaan Sar tradition, ready to embrace the year with open arms, hearts, and stomachs full of hope and joy.

Celebrations start at the oldest family member's house, where guests are greeted according to their genealogy's seniority. Traditionally, guests are given white food or other delicacies, but these days, most gifts or money are exchanged. Mongolians give khadag, a long ceremonial silk, as a token of respect when they greet the oldest members. On New Year's Day, everyone asks each other how they're doing, "Amar baina uu?" (How do you do?) instead of "Sain baina uu?" (How are you?).

According to Mongolian customs, one's behavior and disposition during Tsagaan Sar determine their entire year. As a result, they disapprove of any disagreements, fights, excessive drinking, fighting, and misbehavior while celebrating. During family gatherings, many people play traditional games such as horse ankle racing, singing folk songs, and telling stories. It is a way for people, especially children, to understand their culture and heritage and connect with their roots. One of the most important traditions of Tsagaan Sar is giving gifts. This symbolizes a token of appreciation for coming to visit. Show your love through our authentic Mongolian cashmere garments to our beloved ones from GOBI.

Tsagaan Sar is not just a calendar change, but a symphony of tradition, family, and hope, played out against the backdrop of the Mongolian steppes. It's a time for renewal, where families clad in their finest deel robes gather to share blessings and feast on stories as rich as the milky tea they sip. It's a celebration of resilience, where under the pale glow of the White Moon, Mongolians embrace the promise of spring and dance with the ghosts of the year gone by. Tsagaan Sar is more than just a holiday; it's a heartbeat, a rekindling of the flame of hope that shines brightly in every Mongolian heart.

FAQs

What is Tsagaan Sar?

Tsagaan Sar Mongolian Lunar New Year is the most important traditional holiday in Mongolia. Translated as “White Moon,” it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, symbolizing renewal, purity, and a fresh start to the year. Deeply rooted in Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, Tsagaan Sar is a time for families to reunite, honor elders, strengthen family bonds, and welcome prosperity and harmony for the coming year.

Why is it called the Year of the Horse?

The Mongolian Lunar calendar follows a 12-year animal zodiac cycle. Each year is named after an animal, such as the Horse, Dragon, Tiger, or Rabbit. When a year is called the “Year of the Horse,” it means that the lunar calendar cycle corresponds to that specific zodiac animal.

When is the Mongolian Lunar New Year celebrated?

The Mongolian Lunar New Year date is determined by the lunar calendar. Tsagaan Sar is celebrated on the first three days of the first lunar month, typically falling between late January and early March. Because it follows the lunar cycle, the exact date changes every year.

What traditions are part of Tsagaan Sar?

The Tsagaan Sar customs and traditions include preparing large quantities of traditional foods such as buuz (steamed dumplings), arranging the ceremonial feast table with idee (stacked pastries) and uuts (whole lamb), and performing zolgolt, a respectful greeting ritual where younger people greet elders by supporting their elbows. Families wear traditional clothing such as the deel, give small gifts to guests, drink airag or tea, and avoid conflict during the holiday, as it is believed that one’s actions during Tsagaan Sar shape the rest of the year.

How do families celebrate together in the US?

Mongolian families living in the United States continue to celebrate Tsagaan Sar by adapting traditions to their environment. They gather at home or in community centers, prepare traditional dishes, perform zolgolt with elders, and exchange gifts. Many also connect virtually with relatives in Mongolia to maintain family ties.