Ulaanbaatar, February 16, 2026 /MONTSAME/. Damdindorj Natsag, an eighth-generation Uriankhai tuulich (epic minstrel) and inheritor of the “Mongolian Epic” heritage from Duut soum of Khovd aimag, has been selected as the Best Heritage Bearer of 2025.

Under Government Resolution No. 354 of 2018, which regulates monetary awards for heritage bearers who make outstanding contributions to promoting intangible cultural heritage nationally and internationally, one recipient is selected annually.

At the award ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Undram Chinbat said that one of the elements that distinguishes Mongolians globally is their intangible cultural heritage. She noted, “Tourists visiting Mongolia are particularly interested in experiencing the country’s nomadic lifestyle and intangible cultural traditions. Therefore, supporting heritage bearers through policy and cooperation is essential.”

The Minister also expressed her satisfaction that an epic minstrel was selected this year. Although the number of epic minstrels is declining, western aimags have been actively working to revive the tradition. The Ministry aims to increase the epic performances at major national events. This year, a Uriankhai epic performance is planned for the 15th day of the Lunar New Year - Tsagaan Sar.

Minstrel Damdindorj said: “Since 1992, I have been training apprentices in Duut soum of Khovd aimag, fulfilling the honorable duty of passing down our cultural heritage to future generations. I currently have over 700 apprentices to whom I teach the art of epic reciting and traditional music of the Tsuur (vertical pipe-shaped wind instrument). My successor, Batkhurel, works as a music teacher at ‘Oyunlag’ School. We are cousins with an Epic Minstrel of the State and Honored Cultural Figure, Baldandorj Avirmed. Bearing this tradition, we have been promoting, protecting, and passing it down for over 40 years.”

He explained that Uriankhai heroic epics can last from 24 to 48 hours, depending on their length, and require great physical strength to perform. The Uriankhai epic is unique with its vocal technique, which involves breath control and throat compression. “Training begins with children in grades 5-6 learning to sing Altain Magtaal (Praise to the Altai Mountains) and play the tovshuur (two or three-stringed lute). By grades 9-12, as their voices mature, they begin epic recitation training. However, many discontinue after graduation to pursue other careers, making training young adults aged 18 and above more effective,” Damdindorj said.

In addition to passing down Uriankhai epics, Tsuur music, praise songs, and humorous oral traditions, he contributes to rituals at state-sacred mountains and local ovoo ceremonies, preserving traditional spiritual practices in their authentic form. He also actively participated in efforts to inscribe “Mongol Tuuli” (Mongolian Epic) and “Traditional music of the Tsuur” on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

In recognition of his significant contributions to safeguarding Mongolia’s intangible cultural heritage, Damdindorj Natsag has been named the Best Heritage Bearer of 2025.