Tuesday 23 August 2016

Discover the Mongolian Festival during Mongolia Holidays

Mongolia boasts of a rich history and a diverse culture. According to archaeological evidence, the country has been inhabited for over two million years. One can experience a glimpse of the past by observing the traditional nomadic herders galloping across the vast steppes as they used to at the time of Genghis Khan. The supreme reign of the Great Genghis Khan gave Mongolia its famous equestrian lifestyle, and this is still followed by the local nomadic herdsmen who live in the countryside.

Mongolia is a fascinating country with unique landscapes, vast open spaces and ancient ruins which speak volumes about the country’s rich history and culture. The locals are very generous people and are known for their warm hospitality. They are simple and very down to earth. They always offer help to everyone including guests and outsiders, if the need arises. A week long trek allows one to relive the rich history of Mongolia and experience the nomadic rituals and traditions of the locals living in the vast undulating steppes and deserts.

Living with the local tribes and nomadic people will help you discover the famous Mongolian festivals during your stay. One of the most important festivals of the Mongolian people is the Naadam festival. This festival is one of the highlights of Mongolia during the summers and is influenced by the traditional nomadic way of life of the locals and their gallant nature.

This festival showcases the vibrant hues of the Mongolian people who participate in this festival with full vigour and enthusiasm. It is an annual sporting event wherein the locals participate in traditional sports like archery, wrestling, and horse riding. Mongolians consider the strength, skill and dignified character as the hallmark of the great wrestler champions of Naadam.

The other significant festival of the Mongolians is the Golden Eagle festival. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Event and sees around 70 eagle hunters participate with their magnificent eagles. The festival happens on the first weekend in October near Ulgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province in Western Mongolia. This festival also reflects the adventurous spirit of the local nomads who believe in living life to the fullest.

Another festival is the Tsagaan Sar or the Mongolian lunar new year. It is celebrated one month after the first new moon following the winter solstice. Family and food form an important part of this event, and you are likely to witness large family get-togethers as members from all over the country come to meet everyone else in the home of the eldest member of the family.