Mongolians celebrate traditional White Moon festival

ULAN BATOR: With new clothes, scrumptious food and well wishes, Mongolians across the country are celebrating the traditional "White Moon" festival which symbolizes the start of spring and the end of a harsh winter.

In the capital city of Ulan Bator and the country's other 21 provinces, Mongolians celebrate the annual national festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, with family feasts.

According to the lunar calendar, the first day of this year's Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday. Although Thursday is the final day of the official holiday, the celebration usually lasts at least one week in the landlocked country.

As a family festival consisting of a number of ceremonies, the White Moon has been celebrated for several centuries by Mongolians.

Mongolians during this time prepare several traditional meals and foods such as steamed sheep, milk and cheese, salad and baked goods, all for a big family dinner.

"Our ancestors believed that the more abundant the holiday table is, the richer the upcoming year will be," former Mongolian female herder Jagdal Khandsuren said.