Caputred during the Opening Cereomony of the Naadam Festival

Mongolian Naadam Festival, consisted of three traditional games, horse racing, wrestling and archery was held for 3 days, from July 11th to July 13th. Loved by all Mongolian citizens and people from all over the world, the three festival days are an official holiday in Mongolia. The three types of sports are linked with the lifestyles and living conditions. More information can be found on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage official website.

Mongolian Naadam Festival, consisted of three traditional games, horse racing, wrestling and archery was held for 3 days, from July 11th to July 13th. Loved by all Mongolian citizens and people from all over the world, the three festival days are an official holiday in Mongolia. The three types of sports are linked with the lifestyles and living conditions.

According to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage official website, 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.

Everyone is allowed and encouraged to participate in Naadam, thus nurturing community involvement and togetherness. The three types of sports are directly linked with the lifestyles and living conditions of the Mongols and their transmission is traditionally undertaken through home-schooling by family members, although formalized training regimens have recently developed for wrestling and archery. The rituals and customs of Naadam also accentuate respect for nature and the environment.

More information can be found on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage official website.