Politics
Parliament Speaker touts deregulation, tax cuts and foreign banks in Lunar New Year address; President designates sacred sites for state veneration
Published: 2026-02-18
Parliament Speaker N. Uchral used Lunar New Year greetings to outline a pro-market agenda, highlighting deregulation under his “Let’s Liberalize” initiative, green energy permitting reforms, and plans to invite foreign banks to lower borrowing costs. He said renewable capacity is advancing under a “3x100” program and promised a tax package cutting VAT and personal income taxes by MNT 2.0 trillion and corporate taxes by MNT 700 billion, plus simplified VAT filing for small firms. Uchral also pledged legal safeguards for private property and investor protections, and proposed reallocating more mining royalties to local governments. Trade access for 369 animal-product lines to the EAEU under a temporary deal was noted. Separately, President U. Khurelsukh announced state veneration for Khar Zuurkh Mountain and Lake Khuvsgul, framing broader cultural heritage initiatives.
“European and Asian banks will open branches here, reducing interest costs and easing loan terms for industry while shrinking debt burdens.” - N. Uchral, Speaker of Parliament (gogo.mn)
“We have declared Khar Zuurkh Mountain a state veneration site and made Lake Khuvsgul the first state-venerated lake.” - President U. Khurelsukh (urug.mn)
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Economy
Darkhan-Uul Adds 297 New Jobs as 26 Businesses Open Across Key Sectors
Published: 2026-02-18
Darkhan-Uul Province reported 297 new jobs created over the past lunar year, driven by 26 newly opened enterprises in sports, food and catering, retail services, construction, and healthcare. Local authorities recognized businesses and individuals who launched operations ahead of the upcoming Fire Horse year, underscoring continued support to improve the local business environment. Notable openings include Nomin Warehouse’s second branch adding 50 jobs, international bakery chain TOUS les JOURS, Suvd Online Shop’s expanded two-story service center, the “Myangan Khot” coffee shop by Delkhiin Global Gazryn Zurag LLC, and a new outlet from the Nomads restaurant network. The governor urged operators to adhere to food hygiene standards and manage fire and electrical risks to ensure customer-friendly services, signaling an emphasis on safety and compliance as business activity scales up.
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Diplomacy
U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio Extends Lunar New Year Greetings, Highlights Third‑Neighbor Partnership
Published: 2026-02-18
U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio issued a Lunar New Year greeting to Mongolians, underscoring Washington’s commitment to deepen ties under the countries’ “third neighbor” framework. Multiple Mongolian outlets carried the message, which aligns with recent U.S. efforts to reinforce strategic and economic engagement with Ulaanbaatar as the Year of the Fire Horse begins. Rubio framed the partnership as a priority for the coming year, signaling continuity in U.S. policy focus on Mongolia’s democratic trajectory and regional balancing role between larger neighbors.
“On behalf of the United States, I extend warm greetings to all celebrating Tsagaan Sar… We cherish our Strategic Third Neighbor partnership with Mongolia and aim to further deepen this relationship in the years ahead.” - U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio (montsame.mn)
Ambassadors in Ulaanbaatar also shared seasonal messages, with the U.S., Australia, China, Germany, Japan, and the UK emphasizing goodwill and, in some cases, closer cooperation themes for the year ahead.
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Infrastructure
Ulaanbaatar deploys rapid task force to manage Lunar New Year traffic; 444,000 vehicles recorded by 16:00
Published: 2026-02-18
Ulaanbaatar authorities activated a rapid task force on the first day of Lunar New Year to ease traffic, coordinate emergency services, and livestream real-time road conditions. Led by the City Council Chair A. Bayaraa through the city’s crime prevention council, the effort linked the Traffic Police, Traffic Management Center, emergency services, and health agencies. Between 08:00 and 10:30, traffic police executed 536 on-the-spot interventions to smooth flows. By 16:00, 444,223 vehicles were on city roads with 8.87 million trips logged, indicating higher activity than last year, according to the City Council’s media office. Measures included extended trading hours, additional parking near markets, and the “Open Your Yard” initiative to unlock private parking. The heightened readiness aims to reduce gridlock in ger districts and maintain emergency response capacity during peak holiday mobility.
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Private and Public Sites Open Parking to Ease Lunar New Year Traffic in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-02-18
Ulaanbaatar’s city council launched the “Open Your Yards” campaign to reduce congestion during the Lunar New Year holiday by allowing cars to pass and park more freely. The initiative has drawn broad participation across the capital’s nine districts, with more than 700 institutions and businesses joining. According to the report, participants include all 23 divisions of the Metropolitan Police Department, 28 municipal hospitals, 178 public schools, 327 kindergartens, as well as homeowners’ associations, residential complexes, and private sector entities. The push aims to alleviate seasonal traffic pressure that typically spikes during Tsagaan Sar family visits, when access restrictions in courtyards and institutional compounds intensify bottlenecks. While no duration was specified, the scale of sign-ups indicates citywide coordination across public services and private property managers to keep key access points open during peak holiday travel.
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Ulaanbaatar Puts 12 Utility and Local Agencies on Holiday Duty, Expands Parking Access During Lunar New Year
Published: 2026-02-18
Ulaanbaatar’s leadership meeting set holiday operations for February 17–23, assigning senior officials from 12 utility and local administration bodies to staff the city’s Rapid Command and Coordination Center. Authorities will open parking at 60 high-traffic locations and intensify public safety, including fire prevention patrols in ger districts, expanded emergency medical coverage, and stricter policing against drunk driving and theft. The city is also advancing the “UB engineering” integrated control system linking urban infrastructure projects and daily municipal operations; data integration is progressing with 10 of 11 targeted agencies. Separately, the capital’s Investment Agency reported that of 130 projects slated for client oversight in 2026, 92 have been forwarded for tendering. The first deputy governor emphasized heightened readiness, continuous utility reliability, and 24/7 repair brigades during the holiday period.
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Society
Lunar New Year Sunrise Observed Nationwide as Police Deploy 448 Officers for Holiday Safety
Published: 2026-02-18
Mongolians across the country observed the first sunrise of the Lunar New Year, a traditional rite believed to set the tone for the year ahead. Crowds gathered at sacred hills and vantage points, including Han Bayanzürkh in Dornogovi Province, to watch the first light of the “Süreeer daragch” Fire Horse year. Weather in Dornogovi at 07:37 was reported calm with light cloud cover, a sign locals interpret as a year with fewer spring dust storms and generally favorable conditions despite potentially scarce summer rains. In Ulaanbaatar and other areas, 448 police officers were deployed to prevent crimes and disturbances, with the National Police Agency maintaining heightened readiness throughout the holiday period. The observance underscores the cultural importance of Lunar New Year rituals while highlighting coordinated public safety measures during peak gatherings.
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Top Leaders Honor Seniors During Lunar New Year Visits
Published: 2026-02-18
President U. Khurelsukh, Parliament Speaker N. Uchral, and Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar paid New Year respects to senior citizens, following the traditional Tsagaan Sar practice of honoring elders. The coordinated appearances underscore an emphasis on social cohesion and respect for aging populations at the outset of the lunar year, a period often used by officials to signal unity and cultural continuity. While no policy announcements were reported, the outreach highlights the leadership’s focus on elder welfare and public visibility during a key national holiday. Such engagements can set the tone for subsequent social policy priorities, including pensions, healthcare access, and social services for retirees, which are perennial concerns in Mongolia’s urban and rural areas alike. No direct statements from the leaders were provided in the reports.
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Top Leaders Pay Annual Lunar New Year Tribute to Chinggis Khaan’s Reliquary at National Museum
Published: 2026-02-18
On the first day of the Lunar New Year (Fire Horse year), President U. Khurelsukh, Speaker N. Uchral, and Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar honored the reliquary of Chinggis Khaan at the “Chinggis Khaan” National Museum—now set as an annual state protocol each Lunar New Year. The reliquary ensemble—comprising the Great White Standard and a state seal with a lion-shaped handle and the inscription invoking Eternal Heaven—was created at the President’s initiative and installed at the museum in 2025 during the Year of the Snake. The installation depicts the moment Chinggis Khaan proclaimed the founding of the Great Mongol State. The ceremony coincided with the national flag-raising at Sukhbaatar Square accompanied by a military band. The move codifies a symbolic state ritual elevating historical continuity and cultural statecraft in official holiday observances.
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State Leaders Honor Nine White Banners, Hold Lunar New Year Greeting and Senior Tribute Ceremony
Published: 2026-02-18
On Lunar New Year’s first day (Feb 18), President U. Khurelsukh, Speaker N. Uchral, and Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar observed tradition by paying respects to the State Nine White Banners at the State Palace before conducting the formal New Year greeting ceremony. The leaders exchanged ceremonial snuff bottles, offered traditional blessings, and presided over a program featuring the State Morin Khuur, performed by Cultural Merit Worker and court musician Ts. Soyol-Erdene. The Gandan Tegchenlin monastery’s Chief Abbot, Lkharamba D. Javzandorj, extended New Year greetings to the top officials during the event. In line with custom, the state invited nine respected elders—aged 80 to 95 and representing diverse sectors such as public service, science, industry, culture, and sports—to the State Ceremonial Hall for honors, underscoring continuity of tradition and national unity at the start of the Year of the Fire Horse.
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Jebtsundamba Khutagt Extends Lunar New Year Blessing to Buddhists Nationwide
Published: 2026-02-18
The 10th Jebtsundamba Khutagt, Mongolia’s highest Buddhist authority, delivered a Lunar New Year greeting as the Year of the Fire Horse began. His message emphasizes auspicious times ahead and collective well-being grounded in Buddhist practice, reflecting the tradition of spiritual leaders offering national blessings at Tsagaan Sar. Such statements are culturally significant and often interpreted as calls for harmony and moral renewal at the start of the year.
“May good times arrive in accordance with the teachings of the Great Bogd; through the devotion of us all and the actions of the Dharma protectors, may all wishes be fulfilled and auspicious fortune prevail. Enjoy your New Year celebrations.” - 10th Jebtsundamba Khutagt Danzanjambalchoijivanchug (gogo.mn)
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Lunar New Year Hours Announced for Major Ulaanbaatar Markets
Published: 2026-02-18
Ulaanbaatar’s city administration published operating schedules for major markets during the Lunar New Year holiday. Narantuul Market will close from February 18 to 25, a full week covering the peak Tsagaan Sar period. Altjin Bumbugur Market will resume normal operations from February 21, offering earlier access for shoppers and small retailers. Other large markets and shopping centers will operate on varied schedules, with details provided by Ulaanbaatar’s municipal authorities. For businesses and consumers, the staggered reopenings mean limited wholesale and retail availability early in the holiday, with fuller service returning from mid-week. International residents should plan purchases and logistics accordingly, particularly for fresh goods and household supplies, as the city’s largest marketplace remains closed through the weekend and into early next week.
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Zavkhan Deploys Police and Internal Troops for Lunar New Year Safety Operations
Published: 2026-02-18
Law enforcement in Zavkhan province has moved to heightened readiness during the Lunar New Year holiday, expanding patrols and traffic control to over 60 locations to manage increased travel and prevent crime. Authorities are concentrating resources on high-traffic areas to maintain public order and reduce accidents as many residents journey to rural areas. Police urged drivers to refrain from operating vehicles under the influence and called for caution with alcohol consumption. They also advised households leaving homes unattended for several days to take fire safety precautions. The measures reflect recurring seasonal risks in Mongolia during Tsagaan Sar, when mobility spikes and urban neighborhoods may be left empty, raising both traffic and fire hazards. No specific incidents or arrests were reported at the time of publication.
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Lunar New Year Framed as Mongolia’s Historic State-and-People Festival
Published: 2026-02-18
State news agency Montsame outlines the historical evolution and cultural significance of Tsagaan Sar, emphasizing its status as a state-and-people festival rooted in ancient practices and later shaped by Buddhism. The piece traces names from Hunnu-era traditions—such as “Suun sar,” “Ürs sar,” and “Khuv sar”—and explains customs like sharing “khuv mah” (meat portions) and the origins of stacked “khawsaikh/ul boov” offerings introduced under Zanabazar in the 17th century. It asserts that Chinggis Khaan’s 1206 state celebration corresponded to Tsagaan Sar, distinguishing it from the 1921 Naadam of the People’s Revolution. The article notes socialist-era reframing as a “herders’ holiday,” with a post-1990 revival of traditional observance. It highlights auspicious taboos and virtues—avoiding anger, greed, and ignorance—while wishing for a peaceful Year of the Fire Horse.
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State Flag Raised at Sükhbaatar Square on Lunar New Year’s Day
Published: 2026-02-18
Ulaanbaatar marked the first day of the Lunar New Year (the Fire Horse year) with a formal flag-raising ceremony at Sükhbaatar Square. The State Flag was hoisted at dawn on New Year’s Day, accompanied by the national anthem performed by a brass band. The observance underscores the role of Sükhbaatar Square as the focal point for national rituals and public gatherings. While primarily ceremonial, the event signals the start of official Tsagaan Sar festivities in the capital and sets the tone for a week of public and private celebrations, during which government offices typically operate on holiday schedules. No official statements or policy announcements were reported during the ceremony.
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State Leaders Observe Lunar New Year Ritual at Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Published: 2026-02-18
Senior state officials marked Lunar New Year’s Day with a traditional Buddhist ceremony at Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, venerating the Megjid Janraisig statue and offering a mandala to the revered Ochirdara deity. Following custom, Presidential Chief Advisor N. Khurelbaatar, State Great Khural Secretary-General L. Ulziisaikhan, and Cabinet Secretariat First Deputy Chief Sh. Radnaased attended at dawn to pray for the nation’s well-being. The ritual, rooted in Mongolian Buddhist practice attributed to Zanabazar’s legacy, is believed to purify negative deeds and accumulate merit for the past, present, and future. Such observances by top officials signal continuity of state engagement with cultural-religious traditions during the start of the fire red horse year in the XVII 60-year cycle, reinforcing social cohesion and cultural identity at a symbolic time for the country.
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Gandan Monastery Holds Lkham Prayer on Lunar New Year’s Eve
Published: 2026-02-18
Gandan Tegchinlen Monastery in Ulaanbaatar is conducting the traditional Lkham prayer as Mongolians mark Lunar New Year’s Eve (Bitüün). Households typically repay debts, reconcile with acquaintances, clean homes, and prepare offerings before the new year. A key ritual is the overnight recital of the Tsëder sutra, held once annually from 23:00 on the last night of the winter month until sunrise on the first day of the new lunar year. The ceremony venerates Lkham, believed to survey the world on this night, and worshippers attend to seek a peaceful, obstacle-free year. The observance highlights the continuing importance of Buddhist customs in Mongolia’s New Year period and the role of Gandan Monastery as a central venue for major religious rites.
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Guide to Lunar New Year Etiquette and Taboos for Tsagaan Sar Celebrations
Published: 2026-02-18
Ikon.mn outlines key customs for Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, emphasizing proper etiquette for greeting elders, presenting ceremonial dairy offerings, and observing taboos to ensure a harmonious year. Ceremonial food trays traditionally feature stacked ul boov or cheese arranged in odd numbers—seven for a father’s household and nine for state-level ceremonies—decorated with white dairy products like clotted cream and curds. Respectful greetings include exchanging snuff bottles without clinking and supporting the snuff bottle with three fingers as a sign of esteem. Protocols for greeting with a khadag differ: offering the scarf fully conveys deference to elders, while “khadagtai” greeting involves retaining one’s scarf. Taboos during the first days include sewing, lending property, discarding ashes, arguing, daytime sleeping, and visiting multiple homes on the seventh day. Households customarily clear festive trays after the third day, though late greetings remain acceptable for travelers.
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Lunar New Year Customs Outline Protocols for Greeting, Khadag Etiquette, and Snuff-Bottle Exchanges
Published: 2026-02-18
A cultural explainer details traditional protocols for Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) greetings in Mongolia, emphasizing respect for elders and specific ritual order. Families rise at dawn on the first day, don new attire, and offer the first tea and dairy to the sun and nature, reflecting state reverence in rural areas where offerings face the direction of the state emblem. Younger individuals initiate greetings with elders from age 13, while peers cross wrists, and spouses do not greet each other. The guide distinguishes three practices: presenting a khadag (ceremonial scarf) to elders or notable figures; greeting while holding one’s own khadag without gifting it; and exchanging snuff bottles (khöörgö) with set etiquette, including loosening and turning the stopper clockwise and refraining from unbuttoning or rolling up sleeves. These norms underscore hierarchy, harmony, and auspicious symbolism during New Year visits.
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Centenarian Population Reaches 166 as Capital Leads and Provinces Contrast
Published: 2026-02-18
The National Statistics Office reports 166 residents aged 100 or older nationwide, with the eldest at 108. Women account for 128 of centenarians versus 38 men. Urban concentration is notable: 74 live in Ulaanbaatar, led by Bayanzürkh District (18) and Khan-Uul (17). Among provinces, Övörkhangai has the most centenarians (10), followed by Bayan-Ölgii (8). The agency also highlights culturally specific naming trends captured in the Population and Household Database, including 52 people named “Shiniin negen” (Lunar New Year’s Day), 12 named “Tsagaan Sar,” and various tradition-themed names such as “Khüimor,” “Bukh,” “Khödög,” “Khuur,” and “Zodog.” Additionally, 67 people bear the name “Mongol,” while 723 combine national identity in names like “Mongolkhuu,” “Mongolmaa,” and “Mongoljin,” of which 524 are “Mongoljin.”
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Darhan-Uul Honors Centenarians with Presidential Gifts for Lunar New Year
Published: 2026-02-18
Darhan-Uul Province marked the Lunar New Year by delivering ceremonial gifts to elderly residents, aligning with national traditions for seniors. Five centenarians received gifts from the President of Mongolia, while 19 residents aged 95 and above were presented gifts from the provincial governor. The initiative follows Article 6.2 of the Law on Social Welfare for the Elderly, which mandates annual greetings and gifts for those aged 100 and over during Tsagaan Sar. Provincial leaders, including Citizens’ Representatives Khural Chair A. Yanjmaa and Deputy Governor B. Javkhlan, visited recipients at home. The presidential gift set, symbolically composed of nine items, was sourced from domestic producers to reflect national culture and values. Darhan-Uul has a population of 110,800, with seniors comprising 12.4%; there are 13,711 elderly residents aged 55+ women and 60+ men across the province.
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Lunar New Year Reflections Highlight Erosion—and Resilience—of Rural Traditions
Published: 2026-02-18
A feature essay recalls how Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia once centered on communal preparation and deep-rooted nomadic customs—neighborhoods coordinating dumpling-making, steaming sheep rump and brisket under felt covers, home-brewed drinks, and horse grooming ahead of visits. The narrative contrasts those memories with today’s growing reliance on store-bought foods, mechanized travel, and waning household rituals, arguing that modernization risks distancing families from heritage practices that transmitted values to children. The piece underscores Tsagaan Sar’s role as an annual cultural “vaccine” reinforcing identity and respect for elders, framing the holiday as both a celebration of enduring ties and a reminder to preserve hands-on traditions in changing times. No formal policies or official actions are discussed; the significance lies in cultural continuity and social cohesion.
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Astrologer Forecasts Stable Fire Horse Year, Advises Health Caution for Elderly and Preparedness for Herders
Published: 2026-02-18
Mongolia’s lunar new year—the Fire Horse year—begins on February 18, with a largely stable outlook according to astrologer-monk Ch. Ochirbat of Gandan Tegchenling Monastery. Traditional divination suggests favorable conditions for working-age adults, moderate prospects for infants and the general populace, and health vigilance for seniors. Weather is expected to be generally steady with below-average precipitation in early spring and localized hail and squalls possible late in the year. Livestock conditions are seen as broadly positive but not without challenges, prompting advice for spring and autumn preparation by herders. Ritual guidance includes major conflicts for those born in the Year of the Rat, minor conflicts for Rooster and Rabbit, and year-rituals for Horse-born individuals, with timing flexible across the year.
“This year’s ‘Subduer by Majesty’ designation signifies fewer major disputes and relatively less hunger and illness, indicating a calmer year,” - Ch. Ochirbat, astrologer-monk at Gandan Tegchenling Monastery (urug.mn)
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Traditional Lunar Almanac Notes Auspicious and Inauspicious Activities for February 18
Published: 2026-02-18
Mongolia’s traditional lunar calendar designates Wednesday, February 18 as a day under the “Black Pig” sign with the “Chödör” star, outlining favorable and unfavorable activities. The almanac advises that those born in the Sheep and Rabbit years will find it auspicious to engage in cooperative work, sign contracts, hold weddings, arrange engagements and dowries, purchase precious items, restore temples, and meet influential figures. It warns individuals born in Snake and Horse years to act cautiously, avoiding activities such as digging, well construction, adopting puppies, laying foundations on ruins, and buying dogs. Good hours are listed as the Ox, Dragon, Horse, Sheep, Dog, and Pig periods, with recommended travel direction to the northeast. Sunrise and sunset are 07:54 and 18:19, respectively. Haircuts are discouraged for the day. No official statements or policy decisions are included in this notice.
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Environment
Cold Snap and Blizzards Forecast After Brief Lull, With Strong Winds to 24 m/s
Published: 2026-02-18
Weather will remain stable and mostly snow-free on Feb. 18–19 nationwide, with milder daytime temperatures. Conditions deteriorate from Feb. 20: snow and blizzards are expected in western provinces on Feb. 20, spreading to central, eastern, and most Gobi areas on Feb. 21, and intensifying across eastern provinces on Feb. 22. Forecasters warn of strong winds of 18–20 m/s, peaking at 24 m/s in places, and a sharp temperature drop from Feb. 21. Extreme lows are forecast in basins and mountain valleys, with night temperatures down to -36…-41°C and daytime highs -26…-31°C in the coldest zones; many other regions will see -18…-27°C daytime. Ulaanbaatar remains partly cloudy and dry on Feb. 18, around -2…-4°C by day, before the late-week freeze. Authorities urge travelers to monitor short-term forecasts and prepare vehicles and fuel supplies during the holiday period.
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Mongolia Updates IUCN-Style Red List After 20 Years, Publishing Volume II
Published: 2026-02-18
Authorities have issued an updated national assessment of species extinction risk, releasing Volume II of the country’s Red List after a two-decade gap. The publication aligns with IUCN criteria and aims to guide conservation policy and planning. The new volume reassesses 253 species of fish, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, reflecting shifts in population status and pressures since earlier evaluations conducted in 2006–2011 that covered 689 vertebrate species. The effort involved the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, WWF, and more than 50 domestic scientists and university researchers. Officials emphasized the Red List’s role as a baseline for prioritizing protection measures and revising threat categories. They also noted a high proportion of data-deficient species, signaling an urgent need to expand foundational research to close information gaps that hinder effective conservation and resource planning.
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Innovation
Published: 2026-02-18
A new cohort of digitally savvy herders is blending traditional livestock husbandry with influencer-style content creation, using social platforms to market rural living, sell dairy products directly, and supplement incomes. Motivations include escaping urban pollution, raising children in cleaner environments, and leveraging improved connectivity in rural areas. Content ranges from daily herding routines to traditional food preparation and cooperative models for resilient herding. Several creators report tangible income and stronger local networks.
“Through my content, I’ve begun earning income over the past three months” - O. Tsetsegmaa, herder and content creator (eagle.mn)
“Out here, everything is available—from the internet to flexible work—I herd, make content, and handle PR remotely” - A. Ichinnorov, herder and weightlifting PR specialist (eagle.mn)
“Social media lets us sell our livestock products without middlemen when we go to the soum center, everyone knows us” - B. Nyambayar, herder (eagle.mn)
“Creating content is a direct way to share our views and showcase how we produce quality dairy” - A. Enkhzul, ‘Aaruuliin Ger’ page creator (eagle.mn)
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Health
Holiday Clinic Hours Set for Lunar New Year in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-02-18
Ulaanbaatar’s Health Department released operating hours for select medical services during the Lunar New Year holiday. District Health Center clinics for surgery, trauma, internal medicine, pediatrics, and dentistry will open from 11:00 to 15:00 on February 18–20. Family Health Centers will operate from 10:00 to 14:00 on February 21–22. The schedule ensures limited outpatient coverage while most public services pause for the holiday. For residents and visitors, the staggered openings indicate that non-emergency needs may be addressed locally, while serious cases should be directed to emergency services or major hospitals that typically maintain 24/7 urgent care. Employers managing holiday staffing and duty rosters in the capital should note the narrower windows for routine consultations and plan referrals accordingly. No specific hotline or emergency protocol changes were announced alongside the adjusted hours.
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Sports
Parliament Speaker meets national sports representatives to advance legal framework for traditional disciplines
Published: 2026-02-18
Parliament Speaker N. Uchral met representatives of traditional sports on February 18 to discuss a legislative framework to develop Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery in an orderly and unified manner under a new “National Immunity” initiative. The effort aims to preserve and promote heritage passed down through generations while reducing disputes and clarifying rules and governance for traditional sporting events. The meeting focused on building a coherent legal environment to support organization, ranking, and dispute resolution, signaling potential draft amendments or new regulations to formalize oversight and standards. While no specific bill text or timeline was announced, the engagement indicates a policy direction to institutionalize traditional sports management and strengthen cultural preservation through codified norms and administration.
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Champion Horse Trainer G. Davaadalai Reflects on Rise from Jockey to ‘National Honored Trainer’ and Record-Setting Mounts
Published: 2026-02-18
Zavkhan-born, Tuv Province–based horse trainer G. Davaadalai recounts his path from child jockey to earning Mongolia’s National Honored Trainer title in 2024. Mentored by acclaimed trainer T. Ikhbayar, Davaadalai’s breakthrough came in 2017 with “Bogd Kheer,” later a two-time Naadam champion stallion. He has since secured 40+ podium finishes at national and regional festivals, highlighted by the famed colt “Show Khalzan,” which finished third at Naadam after a dramatic stumble, and the consistently victorious “Saaral Mor’.” Davaadalai credits technique learned through years of hands-on work and careful conditioning, including a “light training” regime that preserved Saaral Mor’s injured leg while winning consecutive Naadam titles. He emphasizes family support and child rider safety as core to his stable’s operations.
“I don’t keep any special secrets—experience with many fast horses teaches you how to recognize and prepare them.” - G. Davaadalai, National Honored Trainer (isee.mn)
“Without my wife handling everything behind the scenes, these results wouldn’t be possible.” - G. Davaadalai, National Honored Trainer (isee.mn)
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Arts
Lunar New Year Marked with Exhibitions and Cultural Programs in Ulaanbaatar and Abroad
Published: 2026-02-18
Mongolia observes the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse today, bringing a slate of cultural events in Ulaanbaatar and overseas. The “Chinggis Khaan” National Museum opens a special showcase of a Guinness-recognized nobleman’s deel, while the National Museum presents “Eternal Jewel” until March 1. Contemporary artist S. Mungunzul’s “Silk Road” runs at B Contemporary Art Gallery through February 28. MONTSAME launches the #AMINNUTAG video contest to promote regional heritage, accepting submissions until March 1. The “Dream Ice Rink-2025” program continues at the Central Stadium through March 10. Internationally, Rome’s Galleria Borghese hosts “From Mongolia to the Baroque World” until February 22, and Zurich’s Rietberg Museum features “Mongolia: A Journey Through Time” through February 26. No official closures or policy changes were announced in connection with the holiday.
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Uriankhai Heritage: Tsuur Music Recognized as Rare Intangible Cultural Asset with Centuries-Old Traditions
Published: 2026-02-18
Western Mongolia’s tsuur, a distinctive end-blown flute central to the cultural identity of several ethnic groups, is highlighted for its unique technique combining whistling tones with throat-produced harmonics. Among Altai Uriankhai communities, the instrument historically conveyed natural soundscapes—mountain winds, storms, water, and animal gaits—through repertoire such as “Altai Praise,” “Ar Dyn Golden Water,” “Orooltei Sharga,” and “Jalam Black Horse.” Tradition holds that Uriankhai players performed from Lunar New Year days one to three to ward off misfortune. Mongolia lists tsuur as a rare category of intangible cultural heritage, and UNESCO inscribed it in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The Khovd Museum preserves a 70 cm bamboo tsuur, reportedly over 200 years old from Xinjiang’s Eeven River, donated in 2010 by bard and tsuur player E. Baatarjav.
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Historic Züiliin Khüree Monastery in Gobi-Altai Recalled for Its Scale and Influence Before 1930s Destruction
Published: 2026-02-18
Gobi-Altai Province’s cultural heritage includes Züiliin Khüree in Tonkhil soum, historically the monastic center of the Daichin Beis khoshuu under the former Zasagt Khan Aimag. Founded in 1721 by imperial decree during the tenure of Governor Tonoomoo, it began with 40 monks and a major chanting school. Over two centuries, the monastery evolved with significant religious practices—introducing mani recitations in 1821 and ceremonially installing the Maitreya (Maidar) statue in 1823. Its name changed multiple times (1832, 1838, 1844, 1894), and it was rebuilt in 1914 by Prince Jaltzangombo Dorj. By the early 20th century, the monastery reportedly housed around 1,000 monks and held major seasonal rituals. It was closed during the 1936 political purges, with temple structures demolished in 1937–1938.
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Khovd Museum Preserves 18th-Century Tovshuur Passed Down 13 Generations
Published: 2026-02-18
The Khovd Provincial Museum is safeguarding an 18th-century tovshuur, a traditional two-stringed lute central to western Mongolian epic storytelling. The instrument, reportedly used by renowned Uriankhai epic singer Z. Rentsen from Duut soum, has been handed down through 13 generations. Crafted from larch wood, covered with goatskin, and strung with 4–5 braided horsehair strands, the tovshuur can accommodate a wide range of melodies. The item underscores the cultural heritage of Altai Uriankhai, Bayad, Torguud, Zakhchin, and Dörvöd communities, for whom the tovshuur remains a key musical and narrative tool. Its preservation highlights ongoing efforts by local institutions to maintain intangible cultural traditions and provide public access to historical artifacts that anchor regional identity.
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Zavkhan Museum Preserves 19th–20th Century Yamantaka Deity Sculpture Symbolizing Perfect Enlightenment
Published: 2026-02-18
The Zavkhan Province Museum’s religious gallery is safeguarding a rare 19th–20th century depiction of Yamantaka (Jigjid), a wrathful tantric deity revered as a protector guiding devotees toward perfect enlightenment. The work reflects Mongolian Buddhist art traditions of the period, portraying Yamantaka with a dark-blue body, nine heads, thirty-four arms, and sixteen legs, standing on subdued beings to symbolize conquest of negative mental states. The central buffalo head bears two sharp horns topped by a fierce red head and the wrathful visage of Manjushri, underscoring the link to wisdom. He embraces Dorjsolonma (Vajravarahi), signifying method and wisdom in union, within a lotus sun mandala. Details—flames from brows and beard, fangs, coiled tongue, skull rosary with blood drops, snake and bone ornaments—illustrate esoteric symbolism. The artist is unknown; the piece entered the museum via collection channels and is considered a significant heritage artifact of Mongolia’s tantric iconography.
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