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Join Zasuul's in Encouraging Wrestlers at Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Published on January 23, 2012 by Vanessa Boiser
Country: Mongolia 
The Experience
One strong personality comes to mind when thinking of Mongolia, Genghis Khan. The rule of Khan was legendary. He conquered almost half the globe and united the then fighting Mongols into a powerful army. On a softer side, Mongolia is a wonderful mixture of cultures from all over Asia, particularly China. Its vast regions team with Buddhist temples, and its snow capped mountains seem to graze the sky with splashes of green. Still maintaining its legendary power and culture, Mongolia's wild mixture of life old and new, is nowhere better embodied then at the Naadam Festival.
Mongolia is a country of traditions. Its celebrations are historic and they are proud of their heritage. Naadam Festival or "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" as it is known locally, is a traditional Mongolian celebration which means “the three games of men”. The annual national holiday showcases three famous sports, Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery. The Naadam Festival is so culturally rich, that in 2010 it was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Before, only men were allowed to participate in all three events at the Naadam Festival. Today though, women are now allowed to participate in the horse racing and archery competitions. This new rule added to the confidence and spirit of Mongolian women to truly be a part of the celebrations.
The three games showcased at the Naadam Festival are all very exciting because the rules are authentic to Mongolia. For example the Archery competition, instead of having only one target, there are hundreds of beadrs or surs on a massive wall, and the first team to hit 33 targets is given the title of National Marksman or Markswoman.
Even the Mongolian wrestling competition at the Naadam Festival is quite different, as participants wear a tight shoulder vest called a "zodog" and small shorts called "shuudag". 512 wrestlers go head to head in a ten round single elimination tournament. Each wrestler has his own encourager or motivator called a zasuul, who sings a song of praise to the wrestler.
A colourful parade of hundreds of participants is one of the highlights of the Naadam Festival. They wear traditional Mongolian warrior costumes that add to the excitement of Naadam. Men and women alike, even children play their part in transforming modern Mongolia into that of the past. The largest Naadam Festival celebrated in Ulan Bator, but other cities hold smaller festivals on the outskirts of town.
Mongolia is a country of traditions. Its celebrations are historic and they are proud of their heritage. Naadam Festival or "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" as it is known locally, is a traditional Mongolian celebration which means “the three games of men”. The annual national holiday showcases three famous sports, Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery. The Naadam Festival is so culturally rich, that in 2010 it was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Before, only men were allowed to participate in all three events at the Naadam Festival. Today though, women are now allowed to participate in the horse racing and archery competitions. This new rule added to the confidence and spirit of Mongolian women to truly be a part of the celebrations.
The three games showcased at the Naadam Festival are all very exciting because the rules are authentic to Mongolia. For example the Archery competition, instead of having only one target, there are hundreds of beadrs or surs on a massive wall, and the first team to hit 33 targets is given the title of National Marksman or Markswoman.
Even the Mongolian wrestling competition at the Naadam Festival is quite different, as participants wear a tight shoulder vest called a "zodog" and small shorts called "shuudag". 512 wrestlers go head to head in a ten round single elimination tournament. Each wrestler has his own encourager or motivator called a zasuul, who sings a song of praise to the wrestler.
A colourful parade of hundreds of participants is one of the highlights of the Naadam Festival. They wear traditional Mongolian warrior costumes that add to the excitement of Naadam. Men and women alike, even children play their part in transforming modern Mongolia into that of the past. The largest Naadam Festival celebrated in Ulan Bator, but other cities hold smaller festivals on the outskirts of town.
When to Go to Naadam Festival Mongolia
Celebrated nationwide, the Naadam Festival is held annually on July 11 to 13. The biggest celebration is held in the country's capital of Ulan Bator.
Due to an influx in tourism during the Festival it is recommended that you reserve a hotel in Ulan Bator ahead of time.
Due to an influx in tourism during the Festival it is recommended that you reserve a hotel in Ulan Bator ahead of time.
Odds n' Ends
There are so many things to try while in Mongolia, like their famous Mongolian barbeque and fried rice. Mongolian cuisine is known all over the world to be delectably spicy. Be ready to sweat it out while dining!
In Central Mongolia, Waterfall Ulaan Tsutgalan is something to see. It has an impressive height of 20 metres that cascades from the Ulaan River. Another site to visit is the Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. It is a serene place, ideal for relaxing and self reflection. In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, there are many historic monasteries and museums like the Natural History Museum worth visiting. Ulaanbaatar is a city situated at the banks of Tuul River surrounded by Mongolia’s four sacred mountains or peaks.
In Central Mongolia, Waterfall Ulaan Tsutgalan is something to see. It has an impressive height of 20 metres that cascades from the Ulaan River. Another site to visit is the Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. It is a serene place, ideal for relaxing and self reflection. In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, there are many historic monasteries and museums like the Natural History Museum worth visiting. Ulaanbaatar is a city situated at the banks of Tuul River surrounded by Mongolia’s four sacred mountains or peaks.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Ideally located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace presents guests with a pleasing surrounding together with a superb service.With the guests' ... 2 miles away
If the Location is everything, that is the "Hotel Mongolia"! "Hotel Mongolia" is located about 20 minutes drive from Ulaanbaatar and a leisurely 40 minutes ... 11 miles away
+ 1 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Travel Off the Beaten Path in the Mongol Rally
- Not for those faint of heart the Mongol Rally is a choose your own adventure of sorts, where participants set out of London, England and travel to Ulan Bator, Mongolia . The organizers of this race do not believe in providing you with a route, and actually encourage you to travel off the safe path and get into some trouble. Not only does this journey entail complete self reliance in terrain that is unknown to most, one of the most important rules of the Mongol Rally states that the drive must be done in a crap car with an engine ...1 miles away.
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