How Did You Winter in Good Health?

A day filled with great joy, kindness and sincere faith. Today all of Kalmykia widely celebrated the arrival of the long-awaited spring, the coming of the White Month. In the main Buddhist temple, from early morning the faithful took part in festive events. It was especially crowded at the ritual dedicated to the goddess Okon Tengri. According to legend, every year on the first lunar day of the month of the Dragon she descends to the earth, blessing all living beings. Her appearance is the beginning of spring, the awakening of nature and always the hope for something better. The monks of the Central Khurul, together with the faithful, thanked Okon Tengri for her protection, offering up their prayers. For almost four hours the prayer service continued, during which specially prepared torma were offered.

Congratulating his fellow countrymen on the arrival of Tsagan Sar, the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Geshe Tenzin Choydak noted: “Tsagan Sar is not merely a change of calendar, but a time of deep spiritual purification and renewal. Today, when the goddess Okon Tengri descends to us, we must be especially attentive to our thoughts and deeds. This holiday reminds us: just as nature awakens from its winter sleep, so too our hearts must free themselves from grievances and malice, filling with compassion and wisdom. I urge you to cherish your faith, to support your loved ones and to meet the spring with pure intentions.”

The Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia, Gilyana Boskhomdzhieva, also congratulated all the faithful on this bright holiday, addressing all those present with a greeting address from the Head of the region, Batu Khasikov.

And, of course, by tradition the monastic sangha prepared festive treats. Hot fragrant jomba and delicious bortsoki delighted everyone gathered today at “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”.