Kalmyk Holidays
November 6, 2025
Lhabab Duchen (Buddha's Descent from Heaven)
History of the Holiday
At the age of 41, Shakyamuni Buddha ascended to the Paradise of the Thirty-Three Deities (Skt. Trayatrinshatika) to impart teachings to his mother, Queen Mahamaya, who resided there after her premature death, as well as to many deities of the desire realm. According to the biography, the Buddha remained in this paradise for three months. Then, heeding the fervent prayers of his followers, he descended to earth via a special staircase made for him by the god Vishvakarma. This auspicious deed is commemorated by Buddha's followers on this holiday.
On the day of Shakyamuni Buddha's descent from the Paradise of the Thirty-Three Heavenly Beings, the fruits of both virtuous and negative deeds are amplified a millionfold.
Traditionally, offerings are made to Shakyamuni Buddha and the sixteen arhats on this day. The purpose of making offerings is to accumulate merit. This practice helps cultivate and increase generosity, as well as generate the causes for a comfortable life and the spontaneous and natural expression of generosity in the future. Making offerings frees one from defilements (gross and subtle negative karma, afflictive emotions, and obscurations that obscure omniscience).
Traditionally, on this day, believers devote considerable attention to the study and practice of the Dharma, take vows, make offerings to the monastic community, strive to accumulate as much spiritual merit and virtue as possible on the level of body, speech, and mind, perform good deeds, show respect and care for elders and the elderly, and engage in meditation.
December 4, 2025
Gaden Ngamcho (Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival) / Zul Preparations
Honors Je Tsongkhapa's parinirvana; Kalmyks light butter lamps and perform chants. Precedes Zul, focusing on impermanence and renewal.
December 14, 2025
Tsechu Zul Duchen (Kalmyk Winter New Year)
Marks the Tibetan calendar's transition to the new year (2153, Fire Horse); celebrates Tsongkhapa's legacy with feasts, bortsoki (fried dough), and family prayers. A cornerstone of Kalmyk identity, symbolizing purification and prosperity.
February 17-18, 2026
Tsagan Sar (White Moon / Spring New Year)
The most joyous Kalmyk festival, heralding spring and the Year of the Fire Horse; involves ancestral offerings, boov (steamed buns), and visits to elders. Blends pre-Buddhist seasonal rites with Buddhist blessings for abundance.
February 18-March 2, 2026
Losar (Tibetan New Year)
Aligns closely with Tsagan Sar; Kalmyks participate in rituals at home and temples, including guthuk soup to expel negativity. A time for merit-making and community gatherings.
March 1-21, 2026
Monlam Chenmo (Great Prayer Festival)
Monks in Elista recite sutras and debate dharma; promotes peace and study. A Gelugpa tradition revived in Kalmykia, emphasizing collective prayer.
Recalls Buddha's display of miracles; auspicious for meditation and offerings in Kalmyk practice.
March 14, 2026
Chotrul Duchen (Miracle Day)
Celebrates jomba (salted milk tea) as cultural heritage; includes tastings and folk events to preserve Oirat traditions.
May 16, 2026
Kalmyk Tea Day (Third Saturday in May)
May-June 2026
Yur Sar (Buddha's Birthday / Sacred Month)
Honors Shakyamuni Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana; features Byoriki food festivals and processions. A peak period for pilgrimages to Kalmyk stupas.
June 10, 2026
Saga Dawa Duchen
Holiest Tibetan day, multiplying merits 100 millionfold; Kalmyks engage in vegetarian vows, circumambulations, and Kangyur readings at temples.
July 6, 2026
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Birthday
Global observance with prayers for the 91st birthday; in Kalmykia, special pujas at the Golden Temple highlight the bond with Tibetan exile leadership.
Commemorates Buddha's first sermon; also Padmasambhava's birthday, with tantric rituals for protection and wisdom in Kalmyk monasteries.
July 24, 2026
First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma / Guru Rinpoche Day
August 23-29, 2026
Shoton (Yogurt Festival)
Ends the monastic summer retreat; features Tibetan opera (lhamo), yogurt offerings, and picnics. A vibrant Kalmyk cultural highlight with dances and debates.
September 2026 (3rd week)
Elista City Day / Dzhangariada Festival
Secular celebration of the capital with concerts, epic poetry recitals (from the Dzhangar epic), and international gatherings like ''''Kalmykia Invites Friends.''
November 2026
Buddha's Descent from Tushita Heaven
Parallels Lhabab Duchen; focuses on teachings to devas, with temple rituals for guidance and compassion.
December 2026
Gaden Ngamcho / Zul Preparations
Prepares for the 2154 Wood Horse Year; butter lamps and reflections on dharma.
December 15, 2026 (approx.)
Zul (Kalmyk Winter New Year)
Renews the cycle with feasts and prayers; emphasizes ethical renewal for the coming year.