According to MiddleAsianNews, the celebration of the Mongolian New Year — Tsagaan Sar — is scheduled for February 18 to 20, 2026.
Tsagaan Sar, which translates to "white month," is a significant family holiday for Mongolians, celebrated according to the lunar calendar. Its date varies each year, as the celebration is linked to the first day of spring in the lunar calendar. In modern times, this holiday lasts for three days, but some rituals continue longer.
According to the Mongolian calendar Togс-Buyant, the day of Tsagaan Sar can fall on different dates and months in different years. Astrologers determine it based on the position of the moon in the zodiac.
Astrologers from the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery assert that the most accurate astrology for Mongolia is Togс Buyant. It was developed in the 18th century by renowned lamas Sumbэ khamba Ishbaljir and Luvsandanzanjan, taking into account the climatic conditions of the country, which explains the difference from the eastern holiday.
The origins of the Tsagaan Sar celebration trace back to the era of the Hunnu-Mongols. For Mongolians, this holiday has always held great significance and was one of the few nationwide events. Throughout the 20th century, its observance underwent changes related to the revolutions in Russia and Mongolia, which led to a weakening of Buddhist traditions; however, it later became a purely folk holiday.
Before Tsagaan Sar, families conduct a thorough cleaning. On the eve of the holiday, it is considered important to bid farewell to the departing year — "bitüleg." People settle their debts, and if conflicts arise, the exchange of "öörög" (a special snuffbox) symbolizes reconciliation, helping to enter the New Year with a pure heart.
The celebration begins with "bitüün" — the last day of the old year, which means "closed." On this day, Mongolians gather in their homes, not visiting guests, and eat traditional dishes. It is believed that people over the age of 13 should not sleep on this day to avoid misfortune.
On the evening before the New Year, each family holds a "bitüleg," where all relatives gather. The table is set with treats, including mutton and dumplings. This feast has its traditions, where the elders take honored places, and men and women are seated on different sides.
On the day of "bitüün," it is customary to hang three pieces of ice over the door of the yurt — this is a symbolic drink for the goddess's steed, as well as to place thorns for protection against evil spirits. Many also visit Buddhist monasteries to cleanse themselves of the sins of the departing year.
The New Year is welcomed not at midnight, but at sunrise on the first day. Family members congratulate the elders first, and then the neighbors; however, spouses, according to tradition, do not exchange greetings.
President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhna congratulated the people on the holiday of Tsagaan Sar.
In his address, he noted:
“Dear fellow citizens,
My dear brothers and sisters,
I congratulate you on the arrival of Tsagaan Sar, the Year of the Fire Horse, which is celebrated in the XVII jaran (the Mongolian equivalent of the European century).
Tsagaan Sar is a holiday with an ancient history, dating back to the Hunnu dynasty, symbolizing our spiritual independence and cultural heritage.
On this great holiday, we pray to the heavens and the earth, honor our elders, know our lineage, and uphold cultural traditions, valuing goodness and finding the strength to resist evil.
It is our pride and duty to preserve and pass on our culture and traditions to future generations.
We honor the Great Chinggis Khan, who is a symbol of our state and people.
It is our duty to respect and promote his legacy and wisdom.
In this regard, a decree has been issued to restore the capital Kharkhorum and create a 30-volume history of Mongolia.
The United Nations General Assembly supported the initiative to establish a “World Horse Day,” which will serve as the basis for creating a museum of Chinggis Khan and other symbols.
This has marked the beginning of a new tradition, where countries around the world celebrate this day as our national holiday.
The Year of the Fire Horse also marks the 820th anniversary of the founding of the Great Mongolian Empire.
In honor of this anniversary, a decree has been issued to confer the title of “Chinggis Khan” to the Great Khan and to grant the Black Heart Mountain the status of a sacred mountain.
We also announce that Lake Khuvsgul, a source of fresh water, has been declared a sacred place for the preservation of its purity and protection.
Thus, Mongolia has gained its national sacred lake for the first time.
The Year of the Horse, the symbol of Chinggis Khan, has always bestowed strength and spirit upon the people.
In the Year of the Fire Horse, let us together strengthen our successes, value peace and justice, and develop Mongolia.
This year, let us offer our blessings, so that the spirit of the Mongolian people shines like fire, and that peace reigns throughout the world.
May the new moon bring joy of Tsagaan Sar to all Mongolians, blessed by the heavens and the sun.
May Mongolia prosper under the protection of the Eternal Blue Sky!”
