Mongolian Naadam or Three Manly Sports is a traditional Mongolian heritage element transmitted from ancient times and is the core of the nomadic culture proudly inherited through generations.
Mongolian Naadam is inseparably connected to the nomadic civilization of the Mongols, who have long practiced pastoralism on Central Asia's vast steppe. Oral traditions, performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long song, Khuumei overtone singing, Bie biyelgee dance and Morin khuur fiddle also feature prominently during Naadam.
Mongolians follow special rituals and practices during the festival, such as wearing unique costumes and using distinctive tools and sporting items. Festival participants revere the sportsmen, sportswomen, and children who compete, and winners are rewarded titles for their achievements.
During Naadam, approximately thousand of children compete at horse racing, not less than 10,000 wrestlers wrestle and over several hundred marksmen compete nationwide. Ritual praise songs and poems are dedicated to the contestants in the events. Everyone is allowed and encouraged to participate in Naadam, thus nurturing community involvement and togetherness.
Since when Zanabazar was first designated as Mongolian spiritual and religious leader, the Naadam Festival became to be called and celebrated as "Danshig" Naadam. Since 1921, it is celebrated every year on 11 July, the Victory Day of People's Revolution.
The Naadam Festival is performed during state ceremonies, worship rituals, inaugurating the Head of the State, White Month Festival, weddings, anniversaries, new ger warming feasts and other ceremonial events.
