NAADAM FESTIVAL In Mongolia

Experience the grandeur of Naadam Festival, also known as Eriin Gurvan Naadam, the most significant celebration in Mongolia. Held annually from July 11th to 13th, Naadam is a vibrant extravaganza that showcases the rich tapestry of Mongolian culture. As the cornerstone of Mongolian heritage, Naadam is a captivating blend of traditional arts, sports, and national pride. Witness the eloquent expression of nomadic traditions intertwined with celebrations of independence. Join the festivities with spectacular Opening and Closing ceremonies held at the National Stadium of Ulaanbaatar. Additionally, revel in the local flair as smaller-scale events unfold in every province and town across the country. Naadam truly embodies the spirit of Mongolia, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking cultural immersion and adventure.

The Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar invites spectators to marvel at vibrant celebrations and witness thrilling sports events. Meanwhile, countryside festivals offer a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with locals and actively participate in the festivities. As Mongolia's most widely watched festival and a major tourist attraction, Naadam is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. Whether you choose the bustling atmosphere of Ulaanbaatar or the intimate charm of rural festivities, Naadam promises an unforgettable adventure steeped in Mongolian heritage.

Naadam Festival - National Festival

“Naadam” translates to “games” in Mongolian, aptly reflecting the festival's focus on three traditional Mongolian skills: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These skills were deemed essential by Genghis Khan for any Mongol warrior. Over the years, horse racing and archery competitions have increasingly included women participants, though wrestling remains a predominantly male-dominated sport. An intriguing aspect of Mongolian wrestling is the attire. Wrestlers wear distinctive small underwear-style bottoms, boots, a traditional hat, and an open, over-the-shoulder top, adding to the cultural richness of the event.

If you’re planning to visit Mongolia, the Naadam Festival is the perfect time to experience the vibrant culture and festive atmosphere of the Mongolian people. Even if you’re not a sports enthusiast, there’s plenty to explore—from delicious Mongolian cuisine and traditional music to intricate crafts and engaging cultural activities. Plus, the breathtaking natural beauty of Mongolia is always waiting to be discovered. Don't forget to pack your camera and get ready to create unforgettable memories! Traveling to Mongolia for Naadam offers a unique and unparalleled festival experience. Here, we will guide you through all the exciting activities and events at the Naadam Festival, ensuring you enjoy every moment to the fullest.

Sports Activities

At the heart of the Naadam Festival are three paramount sports: archery, wrestling, and horse racing. Additionally, sheep knuckle-bone shooting, while perhaps lesser-known, is an integral part of the festivities. Remarkably, there are no restrictions on who can participate in these sports, making Naadam an inclusive celebration of skill and tradition.

Mongolian Wrestling

Mongolian wrestling stands as the most renowned and frequently practiced traditional sport. At regional festivals, 32 to 256 wrestlers compete, while at the national level, 512 or 1024 wrestlers engage in intense bouts over nine or ten rounds. The sport is governed by a simple yet challenging rule: if a wrestler touches the ground with any part of their body other than their feet or hands, they lose. This straightforward rule, combined with the sheer number of competitors, makes Mongolian wrestling a captivating and exhilarating spectacle, highlighting the strength, skill, and endurance of the participants. Witnessing this traditional sport offers a deep dive into Mongolia's rich cultural heritage. In Mongolian wrestling, there are no restrictions on opponents' height, body weight, or age, fostering a truly inclusive competitive spirit. Wrestlers with higher rankings enjoy the advantage of selecting their adversaries from higher rounds, adding a strategic element to the matches. Typically, opponents are chosen in the first and second rounds. After the fifth round of competition, champions are honored with prestigious rankings and titles named after mighty animals, reflecting their prowess and achievements. This tradition not only highlights the wrestlers' skills but also their esteemed place in Mongolian culture. Witnessing these bouts provides an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of Mongolia's most celebrated sport.

The traditional costumes worn by Mongolian wrestlers include a cap, a vest with narrow shoulders, shorts, and traditional boots. The hat symbolizes the legendary Mongolian warriors who originated and played this ancient game. The high boots are designed to help wrestlers keep their feet firmly planted and avoid slipping during matches. Each wrestler is accompanied by a coach, known as a Zasuul, who plays a crucial role in pre- and post-match ceremonies. Just before the opponents face off, the Zasuul removes the wrestler's cap and loudly announces their title. During this moment, wrestlers perform the iconic eagle dance, mimicking the flight of an eagle by fluttering their hands and smacking their thighs. This ritual not only showcases the wrestler's agility and spirit but also pays homage to Mongolia's rich cultural heritage.

Horse Racing

Mongolian horse racing stands out in numerous ways compared to its Eastern and Western counterparts. According to an ancient Mongolian myth, touching the sweat and dirt kicked up by a horse during a race is believed to bring good fortune. These races, featuring young jockeys on the vast steppe, range from 12 to 35 kilometers, depending on the age of the horses. The tracks for two-year-old horses differ in distance from those for horses aged seven and older. The annual Naadam Festival, held in July near Ulaanbaatar, showcases the largest race, with up to 1,000 horses competing simultaneously across the Mongolian grasslands. The racing horses are not only fed a specialized diet but are also trained by professional trainers. Additionally, children aged 5 to 13 serve as jockeys due to their lightweight and flexibility, which are advantageous in these long-distance races.

Archery Tournaments

Since ancient times, archery has been a cherished pastime among Mongol warriors. Legend has it that a Mongolian warrior once shot a target from 500 meters away, a feat documented in history. Today, both men and women in Mongolia enthusiastically participate in archery. Various traditional shooting techniques and bows have been passed down through generations, but during the Naadam Festival, several key shooting styles take center stage. These include Buriat, Uriankhai, and Khalkh techniques, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance.

One unique feature of this sport is hitting a surface of targets. Each squad, consisting of 10 men and women, is equipped with 4 arrows per person, aiming to strike 33 targets in total. Men shoot from a distance of 75 meters, while women shoot from 65 meters away. Archers wear the traditional Mongolian dress called "deel," specially designed to allow greater sleeve flexibility and featuring leather braces on the arm that extend to the elbow. This attire not only reflects tradition but also ensures comfort and ease of movement during the competition.

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