Modern History of Kalmykia: Festive Events in Southern Russia

On May 17, 2026, in the southern city of Elista, the capital of the mysterious Kalmykia, a grand Musical Offering to the Three Jewels took place, reported by a source in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Kalmykia.

On the first day of the sacred Buddhist month of Ur Sar – the month of the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing into Nirvana of Buddha – the annual musical offering to the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha took place on the square in front of the Central Khural “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”.

Thousands of Elista residents and visitors gathered at the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha Buddhist Temple to be part of this spiritual and cultural event.

Spiritual meaning and tradition

The musical offering began with a prayer-instruction from Supreme Lama of Kalmykia, Tenzin Choydak, and the monks of the Central Khurul.
“I would like to advise the musicians to offer the music and songs you perform sincerely, from the bottom of their hearts, with a kind and pure heart—to offer all of this to the Three Jewels,” noted Supreme Lama of Kalmykia.

The project’s main goal is not only to accumulate merit, but also to popularize national instruments, promote Kalmyk culture and Buddhist spiritual music, and contribute to the preservation and development of traditions.