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Religious Mask Dancing in Mongolia
The ancient religious mask dancing "TSAM" is one of the significant
religious rituals reflecting Buddhist teaching through correct
apostolic images and essence. "Tsam" mask dancing is included
in the art form called "Digar" depicting independent imagination
as one of the 10 kinds of wisdom according to ancient Indian
philosophy. It is a theatrical art performed by skilled dancers
bearing the external appearance and characters of different
apostles and devils, animals or real people. The ceremony
requires magnificently ornamented costumes. The "Tsam" dance
ceremony was first introduced into Mongolia in the 8th century
when the famous Indian Saint Lovon Badamjunai was invited
to Mongolia to sanctify the construction of the Tibetan temple
Samya. From that time the "Tsam" ceremonious dance following
the traditional teaching of Nambdeyan was performed and from
16th century it became popular in Dash-Lhumb temple, Uigien
Namjra and other places.
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Naadam Festival
Gorki-Terel, 11th - 13thJuly, 2000
The Mongols have traditional celebrations the most famous
of which is "Naadam".The main events of the Naadam are three
manly games, wrestling, horseracing, and archery. The festival
takes place at Gorki-Terel, a National Park, that covers 2,864
square kilometres, North-East of Ulaabaatar. The Festival
which preserves cultural tradition, organized as a test of
courage, strength, daring, horsemanship and marksmanship,
all necessary for nomadic people and warriors.
The largest celebration in Ulaanbaatar starts on July 11
and continues for 3 days. Besides the traditional wrestling,
archery, dating from the period of the Chingis Khan, is another
interesting event in this festival. In accordance with ancient
custom, a couple of men will sing a folk song (uuhai) to clear
the contestants and then use hand signals to indicate the
results of archery contest.
Moreover, horseracing is the favorite sport of the herds
who bring their best horses from great distances. Races, which
take place on the steppe over distance from 15 to 30 km, are
a test of endurance for the horses and riders, boys and girls,
some as young as six years old. The races are organized according
to the age of the horses. Mare's milk is poured over the heads
of the winning horses that are also honored with songs.
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