Airag is a fermented drink made from mare's milk. The communities relating to mare’s airag making were traditional all the nomadic herder’s families throughout Mongolia. Therefore, the entire country of Mongolia could be considered practicing this tradition, but its main bearers are those living in the central part of the country.
Among them are nomads who are the true custodians of the knowledge of making fermented mare's milk - airag in a khokhuur (cowhide vessel or bag) and making khokhuur.
Making Airag in Khokhuur includes the traditional method, which is a fermented beverage made from mare's milk. The way it is made and the tools and equipment used to make it, including the khokhuur (cowhide vessel), buluur (paddle), and khovoo (kibble), are all related to the social customs and rituals related to them.
The basic airag-making process involves milking the mares, cooling them, and repeatedly churning the milk in the khokhuur – over 500 times – with a starter left inside to encourage fermentation. Individuals with centuries of knowledge and skills are required to make the khokhuur, as well as skills required for the preparation and maintenance of the yeast.
As a nutritious beverage that is easy to digest, airag is an important part of Mongolians' daily diets. In Mongolia, airag is widely used as a symbol of happiness, as Mongolians consider white to be sacred. Airag is often consumed as a symbol of the daily life of herders as well as in their social celebrations.
Airag is widely used in making offerings for sacred mountains and sites, and in airag libation rituals in order to honor the heavens and earth. Sharing airag is a very famous custom during these social events. A mare's airag and its making, as well as its consumption, reflect and explain the social relations of the herding communities.
In other words, in general, the mare's airag and its consumption are marked by a vivid and unique cultural identity of the Mongol Nation. Airag is a matter of honor for Mongolian people, in particular, its makers and their custodians. Mongolians eat airag daily because it has dietetic benefits and is an important part of their daily diet.
Traditional practices and knowledge have been passed by parents to their children, which has kept the tradition alive for thousands of years. In addition to promoting a sense of cohesion within a society, this custom is also an important symbol of national solidarity.