The Republic of Buryatia

During 8 major Buddhist holidays Datsan’s guests are able to see the imperishable body of Itigelov. A few years ago the datsan became a place of pilgrimage due to the imperishable body of the 12th Pandido Khambo Lama Dashi-Dorzhi Itigelov. In 1927 he took the lotus position and plunged into deep meditation. Before he had ordered disciples to exhume his body after some time and had promised to come back alive. 30 years later the body was taken out of the grave. It was found to have been miraculously preserved, as if he’d only died yesterday. Access to the relic starts from 9 a.m. and lasts to 7 p.m. However, try to come to the datsan by 4pm, when the

The word “Sagaalgan” is translated as “White Month” from the Buryat language and is associated with coming spring. Sagaalgan is a New Year by Lunar Calendar. Almost every family in Buryatia irrespective of the faith and nationality celebrates the holiday. During the Sagaalgan different kinds of entertainment such as concerts, shows, musical festivals are held, one of them is the international youth musical competition “White Month”. It is the custom to see New Year in with white foods: milk, curds, sour cream, sheep cheese, etc. A common meal often includes ‘buuza’, a big meat dumpling with holes on top to let steam out while it’s being cooked. Sagaalgan symbolizes the beginning of a new life and coming of spring. It

Maslenitsa is a traditional Russian festival, a mix of pagan beliefs and Christian traditions, which marks the end of winter. It is also known as Pancake Week. The traditional Slavic holiday is the fun farewell of winter, which is illuminated by the joyful expectation of the approaching warmth, the spring renewal of nature. Popular festivities and all sorts of fun – games, rides from the mountains on sleds, taking snow fortresses and much more await all those who want fun and enthusiasm. Venue: Ethnographic Museum of Buryatia Event cost: Free

The Orthodox festival and holiday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter (Resurrection of Christ) is the most important and bright holiday of the Orthodox calendar. In the Russian folk tradition, Easter was celebrated as a triumph of renewal and rebirth of life. Rejoicing and joy of spring day, concert programs with perky songs, dances, round dance in the open air are waiting for you, friends! Venue: Ethnographic Museum of Buryatia Event cost: Free

Almost all museums of Buryatia will be accessible free of charge all day long until late at night. Museums at Night is an annual festival designed to encourage people into museums, galleries and heritage sites by showing off the best they have to offer. Venue: Different museums of the Buryat Republic Event cost: Free

Day of the Republic of Buryatia is one of the significant holidays of Ulan-Ude residents. The celebration takes place in almost all cultural institutions. Ethnocultural festivals, historical exhibitions, concerts, entertainment for children will be held. A large program awaits the residents and guests of the capital, revealing the history of the republic, as well as the culture and traditions of the peoples inhabiting the territory of Buryatia. Venue: Council Square Event cost: Free

On the Day of Russia in Concil Square the choir assembly teams of cultural and leisure institutions, universities, colleges, children’s art schools, and secondary schools of the republic will attend. In addition, in the Youth Dance Battle in team competitions and individual battles dancers will compete not only from our republic, but also dancers from neighboring regions. Venue: Council Square Event cost: Free

On Surkharban the best bators (warriors-wrestlers), the Mergens (sharpshooters), horses and dexterous riders will meet at the Central Stadium of the Republic of Buryatia. There will be competitions in the Buryat wrestling «bүkhe barildaan», archery, weight-lifting, breaking the spinal bone «kheer shaalgan» and the traditional dice «shagai naadan». The evening will end with a grand festive concert, a gift for the audience will be performances of favorite stars of opera, folk art and pop. Venue: Republican Center of Folk Art Event cost: Free

The Festival “Voice of Nomads” takes place in Buryatia since 2009. The concept of the festival is the idea of the ethnic diversity of cultures. The 11th time the festival gives the audience a waterfall of world music rhythms. Every year in the festival «Voice of the nomads» participate musicians of the highest level, who on the basis of folk music create a contemporary musical art. The geography of participants is increasing every year. Teams of Buryatia, Tuva, Moscow and St. Petersburg, China, Mongolia, Ukraine, Hungary, Norway, the USA, Japan, Belgium, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Niger, France took part in the festival, becoming its friends. This year’s festival will be held again in the tourist complex «Steppe nomads» in the ancient Buryat village Atsagat (50 km

Ulan-Ude will be celebrating its 353rd anniversary on 7 September 2019. Do not miss this event if you are anywhere near the city. Traditionally the celebration starts at 11:00 on Sovetov square, continues until 20:00 hours and culminates with concerts and fireworks. Special events are held at venues including pedestrian part of Lenina str. (also known as Arbat) and Revolyutsii square. Venues: Sovyetov Square, Revolyutssii Square, Lenin st, Prospect Pobedy Event cost: Free

Zula-Hural is the traditional festival of the Buddhists, which is held on the twenty-fifth day of the first winter month of the lunar calendar. Zula-Khural is dedicated to the great Bogd Tsongkhapa, a reformer of Tibetan Buddhism, the founder of the Gelugpa school, who is considered earthly incarnation of Bodhisattva Manjushri. A thousand candles will be traditionally lit during the divine service at Ivolginsky Datsan. Venue: Ivolginsky Datsan Event cost: Free