Based on an anthropological and ethnographic field study on Mongolian Naadam Festival conducted as part of her graduate degree thesis at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, Deborah Rhode explains about the genesis of Mongolian Naadam Festival and how it constructs the national identity and unity of Mongols. More specifically, Deborah explains about the significant role that Naadam has played, and continues to play, in the creation and maintenance of Mongolian national identity, both within and outside the boundaries of Mongolia and how the Mongolian people are constantly constructing and restructuring their culture, customs, traditions, values and identity, both to themselves and to the world beyond. Thus, Naadam is annually hold on July 11 through July 13th across the country, including the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and all provinces (aimags) as well as small villages (soum). Deborah’s thesis titled “Mongolia’s Naadam Festival: Past and Present in the Construction of National Identity” describes Mongolian Naadam from an outsider’s perspective with insider’s knowledge.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:21 Deborah introduces herself
01:37 Deborah speaks why she got interested in writing her graduate degree thesis on Mongolian Naadam festival
05:13 Deborah explains the genesis of Naadam and why horserace, archery, and wrestling became emblematic of Mongolian lifestyle in the ancient time
08:00 Introduction of Naadam festival
09:44 The procession of State Nine White Banners
15:25 The President of Mongolia gives a speech to open the Naadam festival in the stadium
16:22 Opening ceremony of Naadam
17:12 Fire ritual of the opening ceremony
17:50 Rhythmic articulation of dance performances and demonstration of trick riding horsemen carrying the Golden Pass (Gerege)
19:33 Deborah explains how Naadam reflects the distinct Mongol identity and unity of Mongols