Russia Today travels to Kalmykia, the only European Buddhist republic

Kalmykia is a steppe region in the south of European Russia and the only European Buddhist republic.

Five centuries ago, nomadic tribes that served in Ghengis Khan's army grazed their horses and sheep in the region, bringing them from Mongolia. These people were called the Oyrats. In the 17th century, they were renamed Kalmyks after swearing an oath of allegiance to the Russian czar Alexia Romanoff. They reserved the right to practice a religion of their choice.

A lone poplar tree serves as a sacred place in Kalmykia, where it is rumored that a Buddhist monk had planted a number of seeds brought from Tibet. Only the one tree has survived the harsh weather and now the faithful gather around it, singing ancient chants in the Sanskrit language.

The aboriginal Shamanism and earth worship of the region has blended with the Buddhist faith.

An international Buddhist festival is going to take place in a temple in the Kalmykia's capital, Elista. At the Golden Abode temple in Elista, a statue of a Shamanic leader stands in front of it.

Before the festival begins, monks prepare a sand mandala that may serve a temporary abode for an enlightened deity. The intricate sand artwork will be destroyed at the end of the festival.

The Buddhist culture in Kalmykia is going through a revival. The festival draws worshipers and tourists alike, some just curious and others drawn by religion.

As the ceremony begins, lit lamps are sent into the night sky, symbolically carrying released karma and prayers for peace.

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