An important part of the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival is the placement ceremony of the Nine White Banners in the National Stadium. The ceremony is performed by the guards of honor, of the Mongolian Armed Forces, in accordance with the established order. The Nine White Banners have been revered and worshiped since the time of Chinggis Khaan, and it is a symbol of Mongolia's independence and the national pride of the people. This year during the placement ceremony of the Nine White Banners, hundreds of drums, tambourines and trumpets from the 13th century will be played. The performance is an ancient tradition of the longstanding Naadam Festival. After the placement ceremony of the Nine White Banners, portrait of Great Chinggis Khan will be unveiled in the stadium, and a bonfire will be lit with branches and twigs of the 13 sacred mountains of Mongolia.

The nine planets in the solar system will be rotated at the most honored place called khoimor of the Stadium and the origin of life on earth will be showed. Then it will be showed the emerging peak of Mongolian Altai mountain range from the boundless sea and the formation of the first continents of the world. Later, the dinosaurs that lived in ancient Mongolian land will come back to life and shake the festival grounds, and at the same time, prehistoric people will discover fire, make stone weapons, draw pictures on rocks, and remind the history of the formation of clans and tribes. At this time, the famous Mongolian long song "Under the Sun of Placid World" which combined with the sounds of pristine nature from thousands of years ago will be sung by two singers, the first worships of nomads, the sun and moon. The Mongolian long song "Under the Sun of Placid World" is an ancient word and melody that tells about the nine planets in the solar system and the planets within them.

The Great Emperor Modu Chanyu of the Xiongnu Empire will take part in the opening ceremony on horseback, having traveled through time from 2223 years ago. Upon his arrival in the festival grounds, phoenixes will soar, mighty dragon will breathe fire, Xiongnu warriors will forge swords and spears from melted bronze and iron, and Xiongnu maidens will weave a new tapestry inspired by the rare and priceless artifacts discovered in the Noyon Mountain. Emperor Modu Chanyu will demonstrate Mongolians’ worship and reverence for the sun and the moon, and rock music infused with Mongolian tradition will be played accompanied by songs venerating the blue sky. The Xiongnu Empire, founded by Modu Chanyu in 209 BC, marked the empire that was established by Mongolians. The territory of the Xiongnu Empire is the second-largest in history, surpassed only by the Great Mongol Empire founded by the Great Chinggis Khaan. The Mongolian word for “Xiongnu” is “Hunnu” which means “human”.

Famous ancient cities will be featured at the opening ceremony, including the Aurag Ord (Palace of Aurag) founded by Chinggis Khaan. In this city, there will be clashes of swords, ancient orchestras will perform, tribes will engage in combat, and 13th century Mongolian nobles will dance and perform. Chinggis Khaan’s knights will craft wooden chariots, construct castles, and transcribe sutra books using swords and shields. Aurag Ord served as the inaugural capital where the Great Emperor governed and ruled the empire. Until 1220, this city not only stood as the capital of the Great Mongol Empire but also amassed taxes, gold, and silver from around the globe. Kings, nobles, travelers, and tourists journeyed to pay homage, marveling at the immense power of the Mongol Empire. Fire, the sun, and the moon, each deeply revered by Mongolians, will symbolically descend to the ground during the opening performance.

The emergence of Karakorum City will be one of the most thrilling moments of the opening ceremony. Karakorum, once the capital of the Great Mongol Empire, renowned for its vast territory and formidable government will come to life. Spectators will be taken back eight centuries as they witness the opulent and exotic mansions of the bustling city. Khans, queens, generals, soldiers, and common people will fill the scene, alongside ambassadors and merchants from diverse lands. Ögedei, the second Great Khaan of the Mongol Empire, will ascend to this throne, while the legendary silver tree overflows with an abundance of food and drink. In this moment, the grand choir of Karakorum Palace will sing the decree of Ögedei Khaan, their voices resonating with reverence for the sacred fire, sun, and moon.

After showcasing Mongolia’s ancient history, we will introduce several remarkable individuals. These individuals, created the golden Soyombo (state emblem), a symbol of national independence, representing the reverence of Mongolians for the sacred fire, sun, and moon. They adorned our flags and banners with this emblem. Fought for freedom and independence, and steered the country towards development. Decades before humanity ventured into space, they studied Mars with wisdom and insight, pioneering the path to the stars with Mongolian talent and ingenuity. Following this, we will delve into the origins of life. Yet, what if it isn’t just the origin of life? What if it’s the message that Mother Nature intends to convey to us? The opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival will unveil how this message looks, sounds, and resonates. Subsequently, the harmony of the world will echo forth. Within the essence of this harmony lies the word “mother”, embodying the music of the world. Witness how Mongolians cherish the world as they would their own mother, and reciprocally, their mother as they do the world, during the Naadam Festival.

The opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival will unveil the history and culture of Mongolia and the heart and soul of its people.

Happy Naadam Festival!