The Naadam Festival or the “Nomad” Festival in Mongolia is held every year from September 17 to 18. The festival celebrates the culture, heritage, and traditions of the Mongolian nomads. With the support of the Ministry of Road, Transport and Tourism and other government officials, the event is one of the biggest festivals in Mongolia.
Naadam Festival or Nomads’ Day Festival
The festival is held on the 17th and 18th of September each year at the “Steppe Nomads” tourist camp in the Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve. Gun-Galuut is located in the Bayandelger sum in Töv Province, lying 130 km southeast from Ulaanbaatar (sometimes Ulan Bator), the largest city and capital of Mongolia.
Showcase of Nomad Customs, Activities, and Competitions
The Nomads Day: Local nomadic groups will proudly demonstrate the major 10 customs of nomadic lifestyle to the visitors through a friendly competition. Each group consists of 2 men, 2 women and a child (age 6-10).
Metropolitan Guys: Once the locals have competed, visitors are given the chance to try their hand and some of the everyday tasks of the Mongolian nomads.
Tasks include loading gers on yak cart, camel or other means of nomadic transport; assembling the ger in the shortest time; placing furniture in the gers; making milky tea; men lassoing on horseback; catching horses and taming them; and many more.
A ger or in English, “yurt,” is a traditional nomad dwelling assembled with a wooden frame that is draped from top to bottom with a large wool felt for covering. 
Melodies from the Steppes: Later, a folklore competition including performances, throat singing, traditional dances, long and short Mongolian songs, contortionism, and instrumental music like the Horse Head Fiddle, the harp and the flute are another aspect of the Nomads Festival.
Smiles of Mongolia: Beautiful Rider Couples Contest is a contest for couples between 18-32. Couples must complete tasks like breaking oxen T-bones with their hands or making embroidery. Couples ride horses and wear traditional costumes and are awarded points for their appearance, as well as answering questions about Mongolian history, religion, and culture.
Shuvvun Saaral Mini Naadam Festival or the Three Manly Games: consists of horse racing, archery and wrestling and showcases the skill and strength of the competitors.
Delicacies for Chinggis Gala Dinner is the final bonfire party that offers guests the best of nomadic traditional cuisine. Visitors can learn about the preparation of nomadic dishes while learning how the Mongolian nomads celebrate their festivals.
If you’re interested in visiting Mongolia and the Naadam Festival, please visit Selena Travel: www.selenatravel.com/mongolia_tour .