Ulaanbaatar, July 10, 2023 /MONTSAME/. Immersing oneself in the Mongol Naadam Festival is indeed an incredible opportunity to truly understand the Mongolian people and their inner nature. The one and only Festival in the world, held during the season of abundance and light, epitomizes the essence of Mongolian culture and nomadic traditions. As you venture into the very heart of the Asian continent, the Festival's vibrant atmosphere and timeless traditions unfold beneath the eternal blue sky. 

Mongolia's rich history and nomadic culture can be traced back to the rise of the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous empire in history of the world. A significant factor in the Empire's appealing success lies in the brilliance of the Mongol people and their exceptional minds. The secret behind the Mongol Empire's conquest of half the world can be found in the pivotal celebration of Mongolia, the Naadam Festival. Naadam is our national pride and a magnificent reflection of a nomadic culture.

Man is a part of nature, yet the identity of Mongol man lies in its exceptional tradition and rich cultural heritage. Through Naadam, you can witness this splendid cultural heritage in the stunning performances that will ravish your heart and leaves an indelible mark on your memory. The Festival has survived over time and even evolved into an integral part of today's Mongolian culture.

As Mongolians increasingly diverge from their traditions and culture, there is a growing desire among them to revive their mother culture, paying profound attention to Naadam, which is not only the assurance of Mongolia's very existence but also the great guardian of her cultural immunity. The duty of the Director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Festival is entrusted to the highly acclaimed artist in Mongolia, who is considered the master of excellence in his field. Being appointed as Director is not only a prestigious recognition but also carries immense responsibility, signifying the pinnacle of artistic achievement for the year. The Director is selected upon meeting several requirements and recognized as the top-notch figure in the country. The selection process is based on a rigorous assessment of candidatures' skills and their recognition as the best artist in the country.

Mongolians all over the world celebrate Naadam for three days. The thunderous beat of drums and the majestic brassy sound of trumpets, the rising melody of Traditional Long Song fill the air of endless Mongol steppes and the gentle melodies of Morin Khuur wrap the grasslands in a soothing embrace. Observing these performances all at once fuels the adrenaline of everyone and raises their spirit.

A sea of people converges like a tide both inside and outside the Central Stadium, all in exultant celebration of the Mongol Naadam. Every moment of the ceremonies touches people's hearts. The magnificent spectacles unfold like soaring eagles, becoming an imperishable memory in souls, instilling a profound sense of pride to be a Mongol.

The Naadam commences when the cavalcade of nine honor guards brings the revered Nine White Banners, the symbol of the perpetual rise of the Mongolian statehood, from the State Palace to the Central Stadium without a single touch to the ground and mounts them in the center of the stadium, marking the official start of the Naadam Festival. Mongolians are people who are entrusted to always hoist the White Banners, which are imbued by the power of boundlessly rich history and legacy. After unifying the scattered Mongolian tribes and establishing the Great Mongolian State, the Chinggis Khaan commanded that the Nine White Banners must be worshipped by the people of Mongolia and held in great honor from generation to generation forever. Mongolians will continue to cherish the majestic Naadam for thousands of years, honoring the White Banners under their rich and inherent tradition.

Mongolia is a glorious country that established its statehood over 2230 years ago. Researchers have found that during the primordial time, Naadam was a regular national event where all nomadic tribes came together to show their manhood, skills, and physical prowess. The Naadam originated from a war practice where Ancient Mongols with warrior spirits test their soldiers' strength and agility with Wrestling, Horse Racing, and Archery and train them to be courageous and brave enough to safeguard the motherland and its people.

As Naadam has been inherited to the present day, it has become an assurance of cultural immunity that sets Mongolians apart as the only nomadic people in the globalized world and as a powerful nation with a rich and enduring history. The secret of the intellectually brilliant mind of the Mongols may reside in their traditional celebrations, such as the Naadam Festival during the peak of the flourishing summer and the Tsagaan Sar Holiday in spring when the flowers begin to bloom, and the way they grandly celebrate these holidays, as if the echo of celebrations touches the ears of the world.

Naadam features various activities, such as competitions of nomadic sports games and traditional entertainment, and offers a high level of aesthetic pleasure for all who partake. Mongolians begin their preparations for the Festival well in advance, and everyone dresses beautifully. Months and days ahead of Naadam, Mongolians diligently prepare their traditional Mongol attire to wear and ensure their horses are ready to ride, eagerly anticipating the arrival of July 11 with great excitement. On the morning of July 11, the view of Mongolians, adorned in their prepared costumes, making their way to the Central Stadium, resembles a breathtaking painting.

Mongolia, which has a vast territory, ranks as the 20th largest country in the world. Mongolia's magnificent landscapes caress the deepest strings of human souls. The Mongolian eternal blue-sky whispers of unbounded freedom, towering mountains stretching up to the sky, boundless Mongol steppes that hold the secrets of a thousand legends, and rivers and streams of holy water like a liquid diamond have a hidden magic that seems to unfold the breeze of ancient myth. It's not just Mongolians who get to feel these incredible senses. Once travelers from all corners of the world set foot in Mongolia, they are instantly embraced by the gentle breeze and the air that carries the scent of freedom. The mind naturally expands as it immerses in the energetic and heavenly expanse of the vast land. It could be one of the reasons why the people of Mongolia are often recognized for their intelligence and exceptional abilities.

The succession of the Hun Empire and descendants of the Great Chinggis Khaan celebrate their National Naadam Festival in all corners of the vast land of Mongolia as they paint the world with the vibrant hues of the Naadam Festival. Mongolia is the cradle of the history and culture of the nomads of Central Asia. The Mongol Naadam is a testament to the fact that the people of Mongolia have preserved their identity and rich history for thousands of years, allowing the nation to endure without being vanished.

The festival spans three days and features Wrestling, Horseracing, Archery, and Knucklebone Shooting games. Those who are present at the games will not leave their seats, and those who are watching them on the screen will finish watching without taking a moment to look away. People will be completely immersed in the Games. For Mongolians, watching horseracing, archery, and wrestling is a tremendously joyful experience. The exceptional wrestlers, horsemen, and archers not only receive rewards but also receive praise from the crowd, expressed through eloquent poetry and distinctive words and dialects that capture their unique qualities. Here, we can witness an example of Mongolian talent.

Mongolians hold wrestlers in the highest regard, recognizing their exceptional physical fitness, talent and immense strength that often surpasses the confines of their uniforms. When a baby boy is born, Mongolians offer blessings for him to become a wrestler, and when praising young boys, they often compliment them by saying that they have the potential to become wrestlers. In this sense, Mongolians across the globe take great pleasure in watching the formidable wrestling matches of the Naadam Festival, also known as the "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" or the "Three Manly Games," eagerly tuning in to all available channels to watch the Festival.

Mongols are a people with a rich history of conquering half of the world with the powerful hooves of their horses. As a result, horses hold a position of great reverence as cherished companions and are even featured in Mongolia's national emblem. The most thrilling part of the Naadam Festival is the relentlessly powerful and gallant horseracing. The owners undertake rigorous training for their horses during the weeks before Naadam. The participating horses are categorized into six groups based on their age, and the racing distances vary accordingly.

For instance, 2-year-old horses race for approximately 10 kilometers, while stallions and 5-year-old horses called "soyolon" cover a distance of 20 kilometers. Horses aged over 5 years compete over a range of 22-28 kilometers. Witnessing these exhausted yet determined horses galloping with all their might, alongside the energetic children racing with their whips, evokes profound emotions that can move observers to tears. One fascinating aspect of observing the archery and knucklebone shooting game is its preservation of the qualities found in those who are courageous in battle, exceptional fighters, and highly skilled in shooting arrows from horseback. The spectators get excited and joyful as they cheer in unison when the sharp-sighted archers hit the target. This is how Mongolians celebrate the Naadam until the earth reverberates.

The Festival serves as the foundation of the valiant warrior legacy of our ancestors, who bravely defended the land of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. It stands as the vital connection that defines our existence as a nation called Mongolia in the present world. Naadam offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the impeccable physical condition, strength, and bravery of Mongolian warriors, the swiftness of Mongol horses, the outstanding combat skills of soldiers, and their wisdom, all accompanied by cheering and a sense of pride throughout the three-day event. From the day after Naadam until the next year's Naadam, the topic of discussion throughout the year will be "this year's Naadam."

During the Festival, both rural Mongolians enduring the challenges of nomadic life in harsh weather conditions and those residing in developed settlements find immense joy and recharge their spirits with energy until the next Festival. This national Festival has the magic to invigorate individuals, accumulating vast amounts of energy within them. A powerful hidden sense of the Mongolian people is awakened in these days, we feel a deep identification as the descendants of the Mongol Empire, an empire characterized by strength, confidence, and wisdom. This sense of belonging and heritage serves as our source of resilience and strength, our immunity.