Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Mongolian Controversy Over Upcoming Tsagaan Sar Public Holiday

Sources: Newswire (Ulaanbaatar) and Mongolia public holidays. Mongolia's general public has recently been confused as to whether Mongolia should celebrate the new year public holiday of Tsagaan Sar (White Moon or White Month) on February 7 or 8, 2008.

The government-sanctioned religious authorities of the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery assert that Tsagaan Sar should occur on February 8, while another astrologer, D. Dashtseren, predicts February 7, validating his claim with the argument that “If [Tsagaan Sar is] celebrated on February 8, sufferings may prevail in three years”.

Unimpressed, the Bank of Mongolia has listed February 8 as the official Tsagan Sar public holiday, adding a 4th day, on February 11, for good measure.