Today (22 December), Mongolian Government made decision of banning public celebrations of the traditional Tsagaan Sar or the Lunar New Year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Mongolians will be allowed to celebrate the holiday with their family members.

Since pandemic began in end of 2019, Mongolians were advised to celebrate the Tsagaan Sar privately and avoid travelling. In 2021, Mongolia took the difficult decision of suspending the Tsagaan Sar celebrations and traditional wrestling competitions for the second year in a row. This is the first time in generations that the much-loved wrestling competition has not taken place.

Just as with Chinese New Year, which this year has just taken place, Tsagaan Sar – or the Festival of the White Moon, it the most important family celebration of the year, when families are re-united and it is the custom to pay visits on relatives and friends.

Tsagaan Sar is indeed a great family celebration with many ceremonies, which last three days. Tsagaan Sar traditions are several centuries old and Mongolians really respect them. The White Moon, one of the most celebrated and important holidays in Mongolia, symbolizes the start of spring and end of winter.