Naadam - Mongolian

I am Naadam, the biggest and most exciting festival in Mongolia. People observe me every summer, usually from the 11th to the 13th of July. My name comes from a word that means “games,” and my main events are contests of strength, skill, and endurance. While my official purpose today is to celebrate Mongolia’s independence, my traditions also honor the country's ancient and strong culture. I am a time when people from all over the nation come together to connect with their history and heritage through thrilling competitions and joyful gatherings.

My modern form is connected to the country's history, but my roots go back much further in time. The core of my celebration is built around the “three manly games”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These are not just sports; for many centuries, these skills were essential for survival for the Mongolian nomads and warriors who lived on the vast, open plains. Some historical records even suggest that events similar to mine were held during the time of the Mongol Empire. These gatherings were a way to test the abilities of soldiers, ensuring they were ready for any challenge. My traditions, therefore, carry the spirit of strength and resilience that has defined Mongolian culture for generations.

One of my most famous and popular events is Mongolian wrestling, which is called “Bökh.” During my celebration, hundreds of strong wrestlers gather to compete in a large, open field. They wear special traditional outfits for the matches. Unlike wrestling in some other parts of the world, there are no weight classes in Bökh, so a smaller wrestler might compete against a much larger one, relying on technique and leverage to win. A match is over as soon as any part of a wrestler’s body, other than their hands or feet, touches the ground—this could be an elbow, a knee, or their back. The wrestler who stays standing is the victor.

After winning a match, the champion performs a special victory dance. This traditional dance is meant to look like a mighty bird, such as a hawk or an eagle, soaring through the sky. The wrestler extends his arms and moves gracefully in a circle, a proud and powerful display that is celebrated by the cheering crowds. This dance is a unique and important part of the wrestling tradition, honoring the strength and spirit of the winner in a way that connects to the natural world of Mongolia.

My horse races are another incredible sight, and they are a true test of endurance for both the riders and the animals. These races take place across the open grasslands, which are known as the steppe. The courses are not on a closed track; instead, they stretch for very long distances, sometimes up to 30 kilometers. The jockeys who ride the horses are often children, chosen because their light weight allows the horses to run faster and longer. The children are skilled riders who guide their horses with incredible expertise across the challenging terrain.

In these long-distance races, the horses are considered the real stars of the competition. Their speed, stamina, and spirit are what everyone comes to admire. After a race is finished, the top five horses are celebrated with great honor. Special songs are composed and sung to praise these amazing animals and their performance. This tradition shows the deep respect and importance that horses have in Mongolian culture.

My third game is archery, a competition that showcases incredible precision and skill. Both men and women participate in these archery events, demonstrating their focus and steady hands. The archers use traditional Mongolian bows, which are powerful and elegantly curved. Instead of shooting at large, upright targets, they aim their arrows at small, woven rings that are placed on the ground some distance away. Hitting these small targets requires great accuracy.

When an archer’s arrow finds its mark and hits one of the targets, the moment is announced in a special way. Judges who stand near the targets raise their arms high in the air and sing a traditional cheer called “uukhai.” This musical call echoes across the field, letting everyone know that a good shot has been made. It is a moment of celebration for the archer and a beautiful tradition that adds to the excitement of the competition.

Today, I am a national holiday celebrated all across Mongolia. The largest and most grand celebration takes place in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. It begins with a colorful and lively opening ceremony filled with music, traditional dancers in elaborate costumes, and impressive parades. But my spirit is alive throughout the country. In towns and villages everywhere, families gather to watch the games on television or at local events. People wear their best traditional clothing, a beautiful robe-like garment called a “deel.” They also enjoy special festive foods, especially a type of delicious fried dumpling called “khuushuur,” making me a time for community, family, and cultural pride.