Mongolia Naadam Festival
Mongolia Naadam Festival
Celebrating Strength, Skill, and Tradition
The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s most spectacular and culturally significant annual event, celebrated nationwide from July 11 to 13. Also known as the festival of the “Three Manly Sports“—wrestling, horse racing, and archery—Naadam reflects the core skills that once defined Mongolia’s nomadic warriors.
In 2010, the festival was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its deep historical and cultural value.
Origins and National Celebration
Naadam dates back centuries, originally organized as a way to test and showcase a warrior’s strength, endurance, and military skill. These contests were crucial for survival and defense in Mongolia’s nomadic and martial past. Today, it serves as both a celebration of national identity and a vibrant summer holiday.
Although Naadam is celebrated throughout the country, the main and largest festival takes place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, with grand ceremonies and official competitions held at the National Naadam Stadium.
Nomads, herders, and travelers from across Mongolia gather to participate in and witness this colorful, community-wide celebration.
Naadam Opening Ceremony
The Naadam Festival kicks off with an elaborate opening ceremony around 11:00 AM on July 11 at the National Stadium in Ulaanbaatar. The spectacle includes:
A ceremonial parade of athletes, soldiers, monks, and elders in traditional attire
A procession of the State Nine White Banners, sacred relics symbolizing Mongolian independence
Traditional music, cultural performances, and speeches from national leaders
A reenactment of historical scenes from Mongol empire times
Following the ceremony, the first round of Mongolian wrestling begins inside the stadium, often drawing the largest crowds and most camera lenses.
Mongolian National Wrestling (Bökh)
Mongolian National Wrestling (Bökh)Wrestling is the centerpiece of the Naadam Festival and the most revered sport in Mongolia.
The tournament typically involves 512 or 1,024 wrestlers in a single-elimination format.
There are no weight classes, meaning anyone can face any opponent regardless of size.
Before each bout, wrestlers perform the “eagle dance” (devekh)—a ritual movement symbolizing strength, respect, and agility.
Wrestling attire consists of:
– A short-sleeved open-chested jacket called zodog
– Tight shorts called shuudag
– Heavy leather boots known as gutal
Wrestlers who perform well in the tournament are awarded honorary traditional titles, depending on how many rounds they win. These titles are lifelong and hold deep social and cultural prestige:
Nachin (Falcon) – Awarded after winning five rounds
Khartsaga (Hawk) – Awarded after six wins
Zaan (Elephant) – Earned by seven wins
Garid (Garuda) – Awarded for eight wins
Avarga (Titan/Champion) – The final winner of all nine or ten rounds receives the highest and most prestigious title
The wrestler’s full title may also include the number of times they have won or defended the title at the Naadam festival. For example, “Two-time National Champion Garid”.
Naadam Horse Racing
Horse racing during Naadam is vastly different from Western-style races. It takes place in open steppe areas outside cities, covering long distances of 15 to 30 kilometers, testing both speed and stamina.
Races are divided by the age of the horses into 6 categories, from 2-year-olds (10–12 km) to 7-year-olds (up to 30 km).
Jockeys are children aged 6–12, as their light weight helps the horses go faster.
Both horses and riders are dressed in bright, festive garments—silks, ribbons, and medals.
Over 1,000 horses may participate, with riders and trainers preparing for months in advance. Racehorses are fed special diets and trained extensively before the event.
Naadam Archery
Archery at Naadam is a nod to the military heritage of the Mongol Empire, where archers were legendary for their precision and skill. Men shoot 40 arrows from a distance of 75 meters, while women shoot 20 arrows from 60 meters.
– Bows are traditionally made from a composite of wood, horn, sinew, and bamboo, strung with bull tendon.
– Arrows are crafted from willow and vulture feathers.
A unique feature of the contest is the “zurkhai”—singers who stand near the target and chant traditional songs, encouraging archers and announcing their scores with hand gestures.
Ankle Bone Shooting (Shagai)
Another beloved game played during Naadam is ankle bone shooting, a traditional sport using sheep ankle bones (shagai).
Competitors flick small pieces of bone across a long wooden board to knock down a stack of target bones.
Players use custom-made tools and sit in teams, aiming for both precision and technique.
This game represents luck, agility, and precision, and tournaments can draw enthusiastic crowds at major Naadam venues.
Shagai is not only a sport but also plays a role in fortune telling and social bonding, making it a unique part of Mongolian culture.
Tips for Travelers
Book accommodations early if visiting Ulaanbaatar during Naadam (mid-July), as hotels fill up months in advance.
For a more authentic and less crowded experience, consider attending rural Naadam festivals in provinces like Kharkhorin, Khovd, or Tuv aimag.
Dress for summer—days can be hot, but nights may be cool.
Photography is welcomed, especially during the wrestling and horse racing events.
Experience Mongolia’s Spirit Through Naadam
Whether you’re attending in the heart of Ulaanbaatar or joining a countryside celebration, Naadam offers a window into the soul of Mongolia—a vibrant fusion of history, culture, and community. From thundering hooves on the steppe to the eagle-like movements of a wrestler, this festival truly captures the enduring strength and beauty of Mongolian tradition.
