On May 16, the monks of the Central Khurul will hold the annual Hazr Taklhn ritual, which will be led by Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche

Traditionally, the Kalmyks performed the Hazr Taklhn ritual during the sacred month of Urs Sar. This is one of the few rites that was not consigned to oblivion and was carried out even during the Soviet period. The event will take place at the natural and Buddhist complex “The Lonely Poplar.” The rite of offering to the earth at the “Lonely Poplar” complex was first performed in 2015 and has since become an annual event as part of the sacred month of Urs Sar. During the ritual, special ingredients will be offered through fire to all holy beings, the masters of the locality, and the protectors of the Teaching. These are three white products and three sweet products, as well as fragrant herbs. The monks advise visualizing at that moment that all these offerings, made through the smoke on behalf of the entire people, are given to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, dakas and dakinis, arhats, and other beings, while feeling joy at the deed being performed. According to the senior administrator of the Central Khurul, Yonten Gelung, the Kalmyks, being nomads, always depended on natural conditions, so this rite was of enormous importance and was performed everywhere. “Now it is especially necessary to perform such rites. The past year was difficult for the entire republic. Drought, livestock loss, and the pandemic undermined people not only physically and financially, but also morally and psychologically. Therefore, holding such rituals will contribute not only to the renewal of nature but will also be a support for all our residents,” said Yonten Gelung. The senior administrator of the Central Khurul also reported that the monks will prepare all the necessary ingredients themselves, and people do not need to bring food with them. However, everyone who wishes may bring sanggin idän and ki mörn; it will not hurt to bring an umbrella for protection from the sun and a chair or stool. The rite will take place on May 16 at 11:00 at the “Lonely Poplar” complex near the village of Khar-Buluk. From 9 in the morning, buses will run from the parking lot of the Central Khurul (on the Ilyumzhinov Street side) to the site of the rite; it will also be possible to come by personal transport.