Bhutan, July 12: His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, attended the Naadam celebrations at the National Stadium in Ulaanbaatar as the Guests of Honour.

Naadam is Mongolia’s biggest and most important festival, held in summer with traditional games of wrestling, horse-racing, and archery. Said to have existed in some form for centuries, Naadam celebrates Mongolia’s rich nomadic culture and heritage as well as national pride. It is celebrated across the country, with the largest, the National Naadam, held at the Stadium.

Their Majesties viewed the spectacular opening ceremony of the festival together with the President and First Lady of Mongolia, and then joined some of the traditional games.

Their Majesties then visited Khoi Doloon Khudag race field to view one of the most famous horse races of the festival. A Naadam lunch was hosted for Their Majesties in a traditional Ger.

Yesterday, Their Majesties visited the Chinggis Khaan Museum with Their Royal Highnesses, and viewed the exhibits of Mongolia’s history displayed there. Their Majesties also visited the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex- a landmark celebrating Mongolia’s great emperor. In the afternoon, Their Majesties visited Bogd Khan Palace Museum, named after the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, who was the theocratic ruler of Mongolia in the early 20th century.

Their Majesties are on a State Visit to Mongolia on the invitation of the President, U. Khurelsukh.