Naadam Holiday (National Day) in Mongolia

History and Significance

The Naadam Holiday, also known as the National Day of Mongolia, has its origins in the nomadic traditions of the region. The festival historically celebrated achievements in horseback riding, archery, and wrestling—skills that were essential for the nomads. Rooted in Genghis Khan's era, it served both as a way to keep warriors fit and as a form of entertainment. Today, Naadam is a symbol of Mongolian independence and national pride commemorating the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself free from Chinese rule.

Traditions

Naadam officially consists of three sports, known as "the three games of men" (eriin gurvan naadam):

• Wrestling: A prominent feature where wrestlers compete in a single-elimination tournament wearing traditional outfits.
• Horse Racing: Unlike Western races, these are cross-country events with distances up to 30 kilometers. Children from ages 5 to 13 are the jockeys.
• Archery: Archers use traditional Mongolian bows with targets placed at considerable distances.

In addition to these primary sports, ankle bone shooting has also become an unofficial part of the festival.

Current Celebrations

Today, Naadam is celebrated throughout Mongolia from July 11th to 13th. The largest festivities occur in the capital city Ulaanbaatar at the National Sports Stadium:

• The holiday begins with an elaborate opening ceremony featuring dancers, athletes, horse riders, and musicians.
• Throughout Naadam, people dress in colorful traditional garments called deel.
• Families gather for picnics and feasts featuring traditional foods like khuushuur (a deep-fried dumpling).
• There are also fairs selling crafts, souvenirs and providing various forms of entertainment.

While it remains a competition focused on strength and skill, Naadam is also a time for reunions, community bonding and celebrating Mongolian culture.