Naadam Festival

Naadam grew out of the gatherings, games and celebrations held by nomadic communities, and the three contests were closely tied to the skills of herding and warfare. Over time the festival came to be associated with the state, and the national Naadam is now held during the National Holiday, which marks the People's Revolution of 1921.

In 2010 UNESCO inscribed Naadam on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO notes the festival's long song, khöömei overtone singing, bie biyelgee dance and morin khuur fiddle music, the praise songs and poems dedicated to the competitors, and the costumes, tools and customs that express respect for nature.

Naadam is a family occasion as much as a sporting one. Horse owners spend months training their animals, children ride as jockeys, and winning wrestlers and horses are honoured with titles and praise songs. Traditional deel robes, hats and boots are worn with pride, and khuushuur (fried meat pastries) and airag (fermented mare's milk) are part of the celebration. Note that khuushuur are typically made with mutton or beef and halal certification is not usual, so travellers with dietary requirements should plan their meals.