The official birthday celebration of Chinggis Khaan, also known as Genghis Khan or just “The Great Khan”, has been a public holiday in Mongolia since 2012.

The celebration was started after a group of researchers at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences concluded that Chinggis Khaan was born in the year A.D. 1162 on the first day of the first month of winter on the Mongolian lunar calendar. Therefore, that became the official date of the new holiday.

The date of Chinggis Khaan’s Birthday changes on the Gregorian Calendar, but it normally comes sometime in early November.

Chinggis Khaan’s enduring fame stems from his exploits as “the greatest” of all Mongolian conquerors. His vast empire was extended still further by his successors until it became the largest in all history.

The main events in the celebration of Chinggis Khaan’s Birthday take place in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulan Bator. At Sukhbaatar Square, there will be wreath-laying ceremonies by a monument with a gigantic Chinggis Khaan statue. There is also a flag-raising ceremony, with a military guard of honour present. You will also see a large parade with dancing and people dressed in traditional Mongolian attire.

The nation’s most prestigious award, the Order of Genghis Khan is presented to the worthy in the presidential palace on this day as well.