Christmas tree of the Republic of Kalmykia: nomadic romance from the center of Buddhism
Kalmykia is unique in every sense. It is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the main religion, and the largest Buddhist temple in Europe is located here.
The village of Utta is one of the hottest places in Russia, in summer the temperature often reaches 60 degrees Celsius.
The decoration of the fir tree includes works of masters from Elista who used the national motifs of Kalmyk people: felt products, dolls, ceramics.
Felt is the basis of everyday life and ritual culture of nomadic peoples. This material accompanied the whole life cycle of the Kalmyks: they used it to meet a newborn and see off the deceased to the next world.
White felt was used to cover a kibitka wagon for cult purposes, as well as a kibitka for newlyweds. Felt was used to make bride's dowry: pillows, bedding, stockings, cup cases, felt mats for camels and many other things.
Authentic folk instruments - national domras, which reflect the musical culture of Kalmykia, were used to decorate the fir tree. They became the main accent of the New Year tree.
On the Main Alley of VDNH visitors are greeted by 89 fir trees, each of which represents a region of the country with its folk arts and crafts and traditions. And the 90th blue spruce represents the RUSSIA EXPO itself.
The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. Here the guests are welcomed with cultural and entertainment events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal departments, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors.
The first event to be held at the Russia National Centre, which is being established by the order of President Vladimir Putin, will be the International Science Fiction Symposium and Exhibition "Inventing the Future". The symposium will take place from November 4 to 6.
Tomorrow, the International RUSSIA EXPO will conclude its work. From November 2023 to July 2024, it was visited by more than 18 million guests.
Every day, for eight months, the RUSSIA EXPO delighted guests and gave unforgettable emotions.