People circle the fire brazier to sacrifice the fire and pray for blessings in a square of Otog Front Banner on Jan 21. [Photo/Xinhua] |
As the 24th day of the 12th lunar month in Chinese calendar, Jan 21 marks a day of fire worshiping for the Mongolian ethnic group, during which people gather to light sacred fires, to consecrate animal sacrifices for the fire spirit, to chant traditional odes, and to pray for a favorable harvest and good fortune for the new year.
Mongolians light kindling from a sacred lamp in the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan at Harihateng Temple in Otog Front Banner, Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Jan 21. [Photo/Xinhua] |
A group of locals wear traditional Mongolian clothing while holding blue hada to welcome the sacred fire in a square of Otog Front Banner on Jan 21. [Photo/Xinhua] |