Residents of Kalmykia celebrate national holiday of Tsagaan Sar

Residents of Kalmykia have celebrated Tsagaan Sar (White Month), one of the main national holidays, symbolizing the coming of spring and the awakening of nature. In Elista, festive events were held in the Central Khurul and Victory Square, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The holiday of Tsagaan Sar comes on the first day of the Dragon Month of the lunar calendar. On that day, in a number of regions, including China, Mongolia, Buryatia, Tyva, and Tibet, Buddhists celebrate the New Year. The holiday of Tsagaan Sar also usually coincides with Maslenitsa (Christians' Shrovetide).

This year, Tsagaan Sar fell on February 16. By tradition, the leader of Kalmykia issued a decree to declare a day off.

In her interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, Alina, a resident of Kalmykia, has noted the celebration of Tsagaan Sar as the holiday of spring and not as the New Year holiday favourably distinguishes Kalmykia against the background of other Buddhist regions.

"I know that other Buddhist regions celebrate the New Year holiday, but we have already welcomed the Year of the Dog ... Today is a spring holiday for me. That's great that we have our own holidays, and that distinguishes our republic against the background of the Buddhist world. This holiday emphasizes our unique culture," Alina told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.