Annual Prayer for Students at the Central Khurul in Elista

On August 24 2026 monks at the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni (Burkhan Bakshin Altan Sume), the Central Khurul of Kalmykia in Elista, held the traditional prayer dedicated to Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. The rite is meant to remove obstacles to study and sharpen the mind before the new academic year.

Residents of Elista and visitors from districts across the republic attended. An additional service is scheduled for August 30 at 9:00 a.m. The temple is Europe's largest Buddhist temple and the main public face of Kalmyk Gelug practice.