August 2016 \ World News \ Mongolia Diary
IN THE LAND OF BLUE SKIES

India Empire travelled to Mongolia in July, the visit of the magazine’s Editor coinciding with the Naadam Festival attended by the world’s media and visitors from across continents, as well as the 11th Asia Europe Meet (ASEM), attended by leaders and heads of 51 nations. The Naadam Festival was held at the National Stadium at Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital situated on the banks of the Tuul river. The name Ulaanbaatar, also known in yesteryears as Ulan Bator, translates into Red Hero. The Mongolians take pride in their traditional national sports—archery, horse riding / racing and wrestling—and showcase them with much pomp and fanfare at the Naadam Festival with the world’s media in attendance. A pictorial account follows:

By Sayantan Chakravarty in Mongolia
  • Captions: 1-7 Scenes from the Naadam Festival at the National Stadium in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia 8 Editor Chakravarty with His Eminence Khamba Lama Gabju Demberel Choijamts, the Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists. The meeting took place inside a Ger, a traditional Mongolian portable tent used by nomads, on the occasion of Naadam Festival horse racing at Khui Doloon Khudag on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar 9 With Lamas on the eve of the Naadam Festival at the Dashchoilin Monaste
10 Editor Chakravarty with Indian Ambassador to Mongolia, H.E. Dr T. Suresh Babu at the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar
11 With a group of nomadic herders at the Chinggis Khaan Khuree—about an hour away from Ulaanbaatar. This was the venue of the Mini Naadam during the 11th ASEM Summit in July 2016
12 With the “Red Heroes”, wrestlers in traditional attire at the Chinggis Khaan Khuree camp
13 With Mongolian railway officials at the Indian restaurant Namaste in Ulaanbaatar. (L-R) Mr Enkhbayar.J, Manager, Infrastructure Unit, Editor Chakravarty, Ms Narachimeg N also from Railways, and Mr Badarch.S, Project Officer. The officials are also associated with the Trans-Siberian Railway—at over 9,200 km, the longest railway line in the world
14 With Mr Galaarid Badam-Ochir, President of the Confederation of Mongolian Journalists (right), and Ms Naranchimeg N who officially interpreted during several meetings with a great deal of efficiency
15 With Mr Burenbayar Chanrav, Founder and Chief Editor of The Mongolian Observer



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