Summer Ritual in Naadam Festival

Every July, Mongolia erupts in a powerful celebration that combines national pride with ancient tradition. The Naadam Festival, held from 11 to 13 July, is the country’s most important cultural event, showcasing three traditional sports: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. More than a public holiday, Naadam offers a vivid glimpse into the nomadic soul of the Mongolian people, blending athletic prowess with deep historical roots.

Naadam is Mongolia's premier national holiday, rooted in centuries of tradition and still thriving today. Its full name, eriin gurvan naadam, translates as "the three games of men", referring to wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Although its origins trace back to the 13th century and the reign of Genghis Khan, when such games served to train warriors and celebrate triumphs, the festival has evolved into a powerful expression of cultural identity.

The official festivities are centred in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, beginning with a grand opening ceremony in the national stadium. This event rivals Olympic pageantry, featuring parades of athletes, traditional musicians, dancers, and honour guards in historical costume. The ceremonial procession of the Nine White Banners, a sacred relic of the Mongol Empire, marks the spiritual start of the games. But while the capital hosts the most elaborate proceedings, local versions of Naadam occur across the country, from isolated desert towns to remote mountain communities.

Each of the three games carries profound historical and symbolic weight. Wrestling, or bökh, is considered the pinnacle of strength and respect. Unlike other global wrestling traditions, there are no weight classes or time limits. Victory is achieved when one opponent forces any part of the other’s body besides the soles of the feet or palms to touch the ground. Wrestlers wear distinctive uniforms—tight-fitting shorts called shuudag and open-chested jackets known as zodog that hark back to ancient armour. Before and after each bout, athletes perform an eagle dance, echoing the revered spirit of the bird in Mongolian cosmology.

Archery, in contrast, represents precision and ancestral skill. Traditionally practised by both men and women, the competition uses bows crafted from layered sinew, wood and horn. Arrows are aimed at rows of cylindrical targets, or surs, placed 75 metres away for men and 60 for women. The calls of the uukhai cheerleaders, who chant in praise of successful shots, reinforce the communal nature of the event.

The most emotional of all contests is perhaps horse racing. Unlike Western racing, Mongolian competitions test endurance over distances of up to 30 kilometres, depending on the age of the horse. Jockeys are children, often aged between five and thirteen, selected for their light weight and exceptional riding skills. These young riders sing to their horses before races in a ritual known as giin gurav, believed to bring luck and calm. Horses are judged as much on their spirit and stamina as on speed, and the last horse to cross the finish line is traditionally honoured with songs and blessings to encourage future success.

What makes Naadam particularly captivating is how it bridges past and present. The games are not performed for tourists, but rather for the Mongolian people themselves. They are a living continuation of customs passed down through generations, shaped by harsh landscapes and resilient ways of life. Around Naadam, you will find traditional ger camps set up near race tracks, families in vibrant deel robes gathering for feasts, and shamanic or Buddhist rituals still practised in tandem with state ceremonies.

For travellers, attending Naadam offers a rare chance to witness an authentic expression of national pride and cultural endurance. The best place to start is Ulaanbaatar, where accommodation should be booked well in advance due to the influx of domestic and international visitors. Arriving by 10 July allows time to explore key sites such as the Gandan Monastery or the National Museum of Mongolia before the main events.

Obtaining tickets for the opening ceremony and central wrestling matches can be difficult without local assistance, so arranging a tour or working through a local travel agency is recommended. However, many find the smaller, countryside Naadam festivals even more rewarding. These offer closer access to the action, fewer crowds, and a more intimate experience of Mongolian hospitality. Regions like Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, or the expansive plains of Arkhangai provide stunning natural backdrops and a warm welcome from host communities.

Weather in July is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Nonetheless, the high-altitude climate can shift quickly, so travellers should pack layers and be prepared for sudden rain. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are essential for long days under the open sky.

Respecting local customs is key. Modest dress, particularly in rural areas, and a willingness to engage in local traditions are always appreciated. When visiting gers or attending family-hosted feasts, it is polite to accept offerings of food or airag (fermented mare’s milk), even if only to taste. Photography is widely welcomed, but asking permission before taking close-up portraits is considered respectful.

Beyond the athletic contests, Naadam is a time of music, dance, and reunions. It brings together generations, revives ancestral pride, and reaffirms a collective spirit shaped by centuries of mobility, conquest, and cultural endurance. In a world increasingly homogenised by globalisation, this festival stands out not as a re-enactment of the past, but as a living expression of identity.

To experience Naadam is to touch the soul of Mongolia. It is not merely an event to be observed, but a rhythm of life to be felt, if only for a few unforgettable days beneath the great eternal sky.