For more than 2000 years Mongols have been celebrating New Year according to lunar calendar. Each year of the 12 years cycle of the Lunar Calendar is named after one of twelve animals: Mouse, Bull, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake Horse, Ram, Monkey, Cock, Dog and Pig.

Still now, Mongolian New Year is a nation-wide holiday celebrated as a greeting of the end of severe winter and beginning of springtime, when nature and people awaken and are inspired for new life and deeds. After a month of preparation Mongols celebrate Tsagaan Sar with three days of feasting with their families. Tables literally drown with food including a great variety of milk product, and buuz (beef and mutton dumplings). Mongolians are very hospitable people. Visitors are expected to try every dish and tip a few glasses with the host. Toasts are usually made with airag – traditional drink from fermented mare's milk or arkhi distilled from fermented cow's milk. Sports competitions, traditional song festivals and other events follow the celebration.