Ancient sacred banners to be recreated in Kalmykia

The Central Khurul has won a grant for the provision of subsidies to non-governmental non-profit organizations in the area of “Preservation of Historical Memory.” The project “Under the Battle Standards of Russia: The Sacred Banners of the Kalmyks” was submitted to the competition, in the course of which a complete reconstruction of three ancient Kalmyk banners is planned: Daichin Tengri, the banner of Eselbein Sain-Ka, and the banner granted by Elizaveta Petrovna to the Kalmyk khan Donduk-Dashi. According to the head of the project, the senior administrator of the Central Khurul of Kalmykia and member of the Public Chamber of Russia Yonten Gelung, the project envisions the exact reconstruction of three ancient, sacred banners of the Kalmyks, images of which have survived to our days. “The project is intended to restore the Buddhist rites and ceremonies associated with the sacred banners of the Kalmyks, to preserve the memory of the glorious military past of our people, since these banners are connected with the most important events of Kalmyk history. In all, 4 stages are planned within the project: reconstruction of the banners, the creation and publication of a popular science book and a book describing the prayers and rituals of veneration of these banners, as well as the creation of a documentary film,” Yonten Gelung noted. “Banners among the Kalmyks had not only military but also spiritual significance, since protectors — sakyusns — were often depicted on them, who always watched over our people and helped to overcome various difficulties. Therefore, in our view, there is a need to recreate these banners according to all the canons, so that they embody the blessing of the sakyusns, and so that the connection of the Kalmyk people with the sakyusns grows stronger,” he added. After being recreated, the banners will be kept in the Central Khurul of Kalmykia “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni,” so that all who wish may venerate them.