On May 10, 2026, the Opening Ceremony of Indian Culture Days in Kalmykia took place on Victory Square in the warm city of Elista, according to an official source in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Kalmykia.
By this time, the square had been transformed: decorated with garlands, flower torans, and decorative fringes, it was transformed into a small corner of the ancient land of the sacred Ganges River.
Both young and old attended the celebration, as well as guests from other regions of the country. Many Indian students from Kalmyk State University and other Russian universities also attended the event. They expressed their immense joy at this event in Elista and at meeting their compatriots.
The opening ceremony began with a dance prologue performed by artists from the State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of Kalmykia “Tulip”.
The ceremony was attended by Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia; K. Nandini Singla, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Geshe Tenzin Choydak, Shajin Lama of Kalmykia; Geshe Yonten, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists and member of the Presidential Council for Interaction with Religious Associations; Gilyana Boskhomjieva, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kalmykia; members of the government; and Evgeny Bembeev, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Kalmykia.
The distinguished guests included heads of government agencies and departments of the Republic of Kalmykia, staff of the Embassy and Consulate of the Republic of India in Russia, and representatives of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center.
The ceremony opened with a deeply symbolic ritual—the lighting of the Sacred Lamp. In both Indian and Kalmyk traditions, fire symbolizes not just warmth and light, but divine knowledge, purity, and eternal life. The honor of lighting the Sacred Lamp was granted to Ms. K. Nandini Singla, Batu Khasikov, and Shajin Lama Geshe Tenzin Choydak.
The Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Batu Khasikov, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and participants of the celebration, emphasizing the special significance of the event for the republic. He recalled that several months ago, during a meeting with Ms. Nandini, an agreement was reached to hold India Days in Kalmykia. Today, the plans have become a reality.
The Head of the Republic of Kalmykia noted that he was delighted by the enormous interest in the event from his fellow countrymen and guests. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Russia and India.
