This is Mongol New Year and is celebrated over the first three days of the lunar year, which begins at sunset on the day of the second New Moon following the winter solstice (21st December). 

Depending on the phases of the moon, the date falls between late January and early March in the Gregorian calendar.

Similar to other Asian lunar calendars, the Mongol year has followed a lunar calendar with a 12-year animal cycle since ancient times.

The New Year symbolizes the coming of spring and the re-awakening of nature. The term ‘White Month’ is said to refer to dairy products such as milk, which become more plentiful again with the return of Spring.

Like many other ethnic holidays and festivals, Tsagaan Sar was banned during Mongolia’s Communist period. The holiday was practiced again following the Democratic Revolution in Mongolia in 1990.