On February 16 the celebration of the Buddhist New Year, White Moon feast – Sagaalgan took place in the Grand Concert Hall “Academicheskiy” in Moscow. The organizers of the event became Plenipotentiary Office of the Republic of Buryatia to the Russian President, the Department of inter-regional cooperation, national policy and relations with religious organizations of Moscow and the Buryat Culture Society in Moscow “Uryaal” with the support of the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal.
The feast of White Moon, Sagaalgan, dates back to ancient national and religious traditions of the Mongolian people. It is a symbol of renewal of man and nature, openness and purity of thoughts, hopes and good expectations. In our country, it is traditionally celebrated in Buryatia, in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the Irkutsk region, Tyva and Kalmykia.
In his welcoming speech, Chairman of the FPLB Board of Trustees, State Duma deputy Mikhail Slipenchuk said: “This is a very important holiday because it reminds of the roots, continuity and respect for elders. It is no coincidence, perhaps, today for the holiday there was chosen the Hall of the Russian Academy of Sciences – is a temple of knowledge”.
The event was also attended by the Permanent Representative of His Holiness Dalai Lama XIV in Russia Navang Rabyal, permanent representative of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia in Moscow, member of the Presidium of the Interreligious Council of Russia Sanjay Lama, Head of regional cooperation, national policy and relations with religious organizations in Moscow Yuri Artyukh, director of the Moscow house of Nationalities Nikolai Komarov, deputies of the State Duma, members of the Federation Council of the RF, as well as officials from Mongolia, China, Yakutia, Tyva, Kalmykia.
The guests could enjoy the Buryat national cuisine. The organizers prepared an extensive program: ethno-show “Again Together”, the concert of the Buryat scene masters, contest of national costumes, photo exhibitions of the Buryat Culture Society “Uryaal” with the title “We live in Moscow” as well as exhibitions of books and folk art and creativity. The photo exhibition “Magical World of Baikal”, organized by the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal, as well as the stand of the Fund with the model of the manned submersible “Mir” were a great success.