Ovoo cultural festival opens in Baotou

Baotou residents present khata to an ovoo at an ovoo cultural festival that opened in Baotou on Oct 6. Khata scarves, which symbolize purity and compassion, are presented at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings and the arrival or departure of guests. Ovoo, or Oboo in Mongolian, are sacred stone heaps used as shrines or altars. Ovoos primarily serve as sites for worshipping ceremonies, and it is also believed that it can bring about good harvest and good health to individuals. [Photo/Baotou Daily]