The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia took part in a cultural and religious festival in Mongolia

The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak, and Kensur Anja Gelung, at the invitation of the Khambo Lama of Mongolia, took part in a cultural and religious festival in Mongolia. This past weekend, in the area of Khoy Doloon Khudag, the traditional “Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam” was held.

The program of the two-day festival was very rich. It all began with the “Khuree Tsam” mystery play, whose purpose is to show the presence of deities on earth and to drive away evil spirits. Every movement in this ritual has its own meaning and significance.

Special attention of the participants of this great celebration was focused on the prayer service honoring Vajrapani (Ochirvani), the patron of the Mongolian peoples, a symbol of unity and strength. Debates on religious teachings were also held, along with a competition among masters preparing balins (a ritual offering to deities, made from barley flour, ghee, sugar, and honey), and, of course, the best were determined in contests of national wrestling, archery, and horse racing.

According to the organizers, this event is held to popularize Mongolian nomadic culture and heritage in the world, as well as to attract a greater number of domestic and foreign tourists.

On behalf of the Kalmyk people, the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak, congratulated D. Choyjamts, the abbot of the “Gandantegchenlin” monastery, on such a large-scale religious and cultural celebration 

and, with wishes of peace and goodness, presented a statue of the Buddha made in Kalmykia.