Baotou residents attach khata scarves to an ovoo – a sacred heap of stones used as an altar or shrine in local ethnic religious practice -- at a horsemanship festival that kicked off in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner, Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on June 15. Khata scarves, which symbolize purity and compassion, are presented at many ceremonial occasions -- including births, weddings and the arrival or departure of guests. Athletes from 11 leagues and cities in the autonomous region will take part in more than 1,000 horsemanship contests which are scheduled to run until October. The final competition will be held in Hohhot, the capital city of the autonomous region. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Worshippers pray while circling an ovoo in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner, Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, June 15. The ceremony was held to give thanks to nature, and to pray for favorable weather conditions and a good harvest. Ovoos are sacred stone heaps used as shrines or altars. They mainly serve as sites for religious ceremonies, but it is also thought they might bring a good harvest or good health to an individual. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]