Tsagaan Sar in Ulaanbaatar

On Tsagaan Sar at sunrise, many people gather on a hill close to theGanden Monastery in Ulaanbaatar to celebrate the Mongolian New Year.The smoke over the town creates a special light.

The photo issharpened for the larger view. Thanks for having a closer look. Yourfeedback and ratings are highly appreciated. Karl

A dramatic view, nice colors,

Awesome.

Fascinating. Dreamy light and colors, and a mysterious scene: is that a fire, and what is going on ? Do they burn something there ?

This people walk around a heap of rocks colled "ovoo". The ovoo is slightly covered with snow. The smoke comes from small fires on the ground and from the breath of the people on this extremely cold morning.

From Wikipedia: "An ovoo is a type of shamanistic cairn found in Mongolia, usually made from rocks or from wood. Ovoos are often found at the top of mountains and in high places, like mountain passes. They serve mainly as religious sites, used in worship of the mountains and the sky as well as in Buddhist ceremonies, but often are also landmarks.

When travelling, it is custom to stop and circle an ovoo three times in clockwise direction, in order to have a safer journey. Usually, rocks are picked up from the ground and added to the pile. Also, one may leave offerings in the form of sweets, money, milk, or vodka."

Hi Karl - impressive scene - as allways - all the best to you and Net