On February 10 Kalmykia Will Celebrate the National Holiday Tsagan Sar

This Saturday, February 10, the entire Kalmyk people will celebrate the arrival of spring, our national holiday Tsagan Sar. And on this day, by long-standing tradition, festive prayer services will be held at “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni.”

From early morning, the monks will perform the special ritual “Tsogt Okn Tengrin shinin balng örgh yosn.” It should be noted that it is performed once a year, precisely on the day when, according to legend, the goddess Okon Tengri descends to earth at dawn, blessing all sentient beings. That is why on this day the monks offer prayers to the Protectress Okon Tengri, solemnly present her with torma (special offerings made of dough), thank her for protecting the Dharma and the entire Kalmyk people, and ask her to continue to grant her patronage. The prayer service begins at 5:00 a.m. Everyone who wishes may take part in it.

At 9:00 a.m. a solemn prayer service will be held on the occasion of the Tsagan Sar celebration, after which all believers will be treated to traditional fragrant jomba and delicious bortsoks.