 |
| A Darhad people hosts the sacrifice offering ceremony in the palace. (China Daily/Wang Kaihao) |
I woke up before 7 am and made my way to the palace together with more than 70,000 pilgrims. Shortly after I left my lodge, I was caught in a massive traffic jam. But no one honked.
Although where Genghis Khan was secretly buried remains a major historical mystery in Mongols' history, this place which exhibits some of his belongings and portraits remains the utmost place in the heart of Mongolians since his death in 1227.
I followed the crowd to the main palace of the mausoleum shaped like three typical Mongolian yurts. Today's palace was built in 1956 on the original spot, after it was moved westward in 1939.
In the backroom of the middle palace, hundreds of pilgrims simultaneously knelt down, raised hands holding blue khatag - a long piece of silk used for blessings - and placed their tribute in front of a golden statue of Genghis Khan.
People leading the rituals are called Darhad, descendents of Genghis Khan's guards. In memory of Khan, an oil lamp has been burning uninterrupted for nearly 800 years under the meticulous protection of this group of people donned in special costumes and appeared to be very mysterious.
A public sacrifice ceremony began at 9 am. Eighty-one Darhad people sang the odes to honor their Emperor Lord.
Ushers wearing traditional Mongol warrior's arming wear led representatives from all nine districts and banners in Ordos, brought roast lamb and spirit (liquor) to present to the main building. A Darhad people's band blew conches and beat gongs, which made the atmosphere very solemn.
Feedback
RSS
