Naadam
Naadam (meaning ‘holiday’ or ‘festival’) has its roots in the nomad assemblies and hunting extravaganzas of the Mongol armies. Even today, Chinggis Khaan’s nine yak tails, representing the nine tribes of the Mongols, are part of the celebrations.
Naadam is known for the three manly sports of wrestling, archery and horse racing (though women participate in the first two events). Winning at Naadam carries great prestige and financial reward.
Wrestlers wear heavy boots, tight pants and a small vest across the shoulders. The open-fronted vest was allegedly introduced after one Amazonian-sized female wrestler floored all the male wrestlers. The vest was introduced to ensure that women would no longer take part in wrestling.
There are normally six categories of horse racing, depending on the age of horses. There are no tracks or courses; it is just open countryside, which leaves great scope for cheating. The jockeys, boys or girls, must be between the ages 5 to 13.
These pictures are taken during Naadam in Darhan in July 2008.
