The Naadam Festival is commemorated every year from 11 to 13 July in Mongolia. During the Naadam Festival, three conventional games, including horseracing, wrestling and archery competitions are widely held in every part of Mongolia. Also, Naadam Fetsival is one of the eloquent expressions of a nomadic lifestyle. Fortunately, this traditional celebration is held in the most enjoyable month of the most pleasant season in the country. Therefore, everyone takes the opportunity to enjoy the festival on different schedules, such as travelling to the countryside, camping out and gathering with their nearest and closest. As I am from the east province in Mongolia, I travelled to my hometown. In connection with the Corona Virus, all Mongolians have not celebrated Nadam extensively. Therefore, I am certain that everyone was absolutely excited. I was one of them. I can not lie to you. Nationwide, once a long weekend kicked off, I went to the countryside with my mum in a private car. There are drivers who always give driving services between the city and the countryside. Compared to the last two years, the fee for travelling has increased dramatically. We know that it was also caused by the pandemic around the globe.
Since grandma died, me and my mum have visited our home once or twice a year. When I went home last year, I should have stayed more than a week. Unfortunately, I had not been staying more than 2 days before I went to the city because I missed my loved, warm- hearted and generous grandma more than you think now. This time, I stayed at home for almost 10 days. As we know, time helps us to heal the wound.
Soum’s Naadam:
Naadam’s First day in Soum: The day before the festival, we finally came home after driving for 12 hours. On the very first day of the Naadam, we quickly dressed up and went to the stadium, which is a little far from home. I was exuberant when I met my childhood friends, classmates, some relatives and neighborhoods. As I was born and grew up in the countryside, I have had a rapport with those. They had been asking me when I came and how long I would stay there. You might not believe that locals almost know one another, especially older people know who my mother is and who my ancestors were in the past. Some people jokingly say the people in our hometown are cameras who always know what is happening around the little town here. Although the opening ceremony should have commenced at 11 am, it did not happen on time. After several hours, the opening ceremony had been launched by the heads of our, who said great words for the Naadam.
The second day of Naadam in Soum: The second day of Naadam in Soum: The day was also sparkling. The wrestling competition lasted for 2 days. While thrilling for locals, this event can be confusing and boring for some visitors, as most do not know the rules. The Mongolian government officially awards national titles to the wrestlers. One of my classmates was nominated for the Great Title in wrestling and another classmate participated in horse racing successfully. After horse racing, archery and wrestling competitions, the concert was held for locals. There is a place for indoor activities in Soum. During the concert, many talented people amazingly showed up to sing and dance in their traditional clothes. It’s two years since I watched wonderful concerts with my eyes. Therefore, I was thrilled while sitting at the concert.
We danced outside of the club in Soum for hours:I promise you will go another time whilst dancing there. You might feel and watch the special bonding between locals. Most people looked happy and bright. As there are no regular night clubs, those who settle home rarely go dancing. We had fun together. Obviously, it feels as different as if you were dancing in the night club in UB.
Having I got days off, I stayed there to teach English to local children. I know I am not good enough. But, I know I can do my best.
The number of children in the countryside and remote areas lacked the opportunity to participate in English training or many other outdoor activities compared to the students who study in Ulaanbaatar city. I know it very well. Take for example, when i was a student, i did not have any chance to study in English class although I extremely wanted to improve my level in English. Only one summer, when I was studying in high school, my grandma encouraged me to go to Ulaanbaatar city for English Training which was led by the Selenge. When my grandma saw the advertisement for the course, she pushed me to go to UB. That was my first English course.
In Mongolia, the summer is very short. I absolutely like enjoying the days of summertime. I am trying to have fun now. Monday will be my working day. Before that, I attempted to write a little note about those memorable days in my hometown. I am a countryside girl.
Date: July 2022