Naadam: Games of Mongolia

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Vast steppes, high mountains, sky blue lakes, deserts, and abundant livestock- these are some of the things that come to one's mind while thinking about Mongolia, a landlocked country in East Asia.

But there's a lot more to this natural heaven! Held at an enjoyable time of the year, from July 11 to 13, Naadam is one of the most important national festivals celebrated in the country and an eloquent demonstration of nomadic culture.

Referred by locals as "eriin gurvan naadam," which means "the three games of men" in English, the festival features mainly three games: horse racing, wrestling, and archery.

Traditionally only men are allowed to participate in the games, but nowadays women can also take part in horse racing and archery.

Horse racing, archery and wrestling are the three main games at Naadam. /VCG Photo

Naadam Festival demonstrates the nomadic culture. /VCG Photo

People compete in a horse racing game. /VCG Photo

A young archer practices archery. /VCG Photo

People gather to take part in Naadam. /VCG Photo

During the festival, Mongolians hold special rituals and wear unique costumes. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the revelries. Those who compete in the games are much respected and winners are awarded titles for their achievements.

According to UNESCO, Naadam has its roots in the nomadic civilization of Mongols, who have long followed the practice of pastoralism. The festival is closely related to their daily lives and also brings together oral traditions, performing arts, traditional cuisine, and craftsmanship.

Naadam as the country's traditional festival was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

What are the cultural elements that best represent Asia? Follow up the "Know Asia Better" series. It will offer you a glimpse of 47 Asian countries, through architecture, art or cultural figures to show you a diversified Asia that you may never have noticed before. Themed in the exchanges and mutual learning among Asian civilizations and building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations will be held in Beijing in May.

(Cover image designed by Fan Chenxiao via VCG)