Ulaanbaatar, August 7, 2023 /MONTSAME/. The “Danshig Naadam - Khuree Tsam 2023,” Religious and Cultural Festival of Mongolia, took place at the Khui Doloon Khudag, outskirts of Ulaanbaatar on August 5-6, 2023. The Festival was jointly organized by the Governor’s Office and Tourism Department of the capital city and Gandantegchinlen Monastery.

The “Danshig Naadam - Khuree Tsam 2023” commenced with Cham Dance, followed by a variety of events, including the Danshig parade, race of Soyolon (5-year-old horse), wrestling tournament, display of traditional Mongol attire, and the grand finale, the "City of Nomads" concert.

At the Cham Dance, as tradition, specially trained monks wearing enormous and glorious masks and heavy ornaments danced in roles of deities with different characters, such as Ochirvaani (Vajrapani), showing suppression of the enemies and subduing the evil spirits with fierce movements.

The Governor of the capital city and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D. Sumiyabazar emphasized the utmost importance of promoting, preserving, and passing down the culture, traditions, and identity of the Mongol people. He said, “In today’s globalized world, our invaluable history, tradition, and culture define our identity and differentiate us from other nations. Therefore, Mongolians continue to celebrate "Danshig Naadam," a festival that has been observed since the time of Great Chinggis Khaan, and this celebration persists grandly even today. This year marks the 7th anniversary of the Festival.” 

The “Khuree Tsam and Maidar” photo exhibition, contests of traditional archery, mounted archery, and ankle-bone shooting, as well as concerts of Mongols, and a scientific conference titled “City of Nomads” were held as part of the Festival. 

Specifically, over 100 scientists and researchers of ethnology, historical studies, cultural anthropology of religion, and archeology from ten countries, including Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmyks, Buryatia, Inner Mongolia, Upper Mongolia, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea and the Federal Republic of Germany convened in the conference.

Having been graciously invited to participate in the Festival, more than 20 artists from Buryatia, Inner Mongolia, Tuva, and Upper Mongols (Deed Mongol) displayed their exceptional talents.

Hailing from nine districts of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, a team comprising 30 cultural and art heritage bearers and folk artists gathered to show the wonders of Mongolia within the confines of a traditional Ger. Their splendid performances captivated both domestic and foreign tourists, providing them with a unique and unforgettable experience.

The officials of "Danshig Naadam - Khuree Tsam" announced that various peculiar moments of the Festival, including its historical significance, cultural and heritage aspects, as well as religious observances of Mongolia, would be uploaded to Google Street View.

The first Danshig Naadam was held in 1639 to celebrate the enthronement of High Saint Zanabazar as the first Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and the spiritual leader of the Mongolian people. It is one of Mongolia’s major religious and cultural events and symbolizes the solidarity of Mongolians.