12:00, 13 February 2010

Kalmykia to mark one of the main national holidays - Tsagan Sar

On February 14, Kalmykia will mark the national spring holiday - Tsagan Sar (White Month). Traditionally, celebratory actions and molebens will be held in all the khuruls (monasteries and prayer houses) of the republic.

According to Vladimir Kenzeev, press secretary of the "Gold Monastery of Buddha Shakyamuni", Tsagan Sar symbolizes new life and new undertakings.

"We'll hold a ritual burning of a special doll, symbolizing all the adverse things. The parishioners will also get pieces of dough from attendants of the khurul, which they will also later burn down at the ritual fire as a symbol of elimination of all the barriers. Buddhists believe that the ritual fire burns down all the problems, illnesses, negative thoughts and bad acts, which happened during the passed year," Mr Kenzeev said.

The Tsagan Sar is marked on the first day of the Dragon Month of the lunar calendar; this year, as it often happens, it coincided with the Shrovetide and Chinese New Year.

Author: Badma Byurchiev

Source: CK correspondent