A real Kalmyk wedding was held at VDNH

A Kalmyk wedding according to traditional customs was witnessed by guests of the RUSSIA EXPO on the Day of the Region at VDNH. The participants of the ceremony were a loving couple from Kalmykia - student Erkina Muchkaeva and master firefighter of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Sanal Naiminov.

The performance began with sending the matchmaker-"scout" to the symbolic Kalmyk "khoton": as if by accident he gets into the girl's parents' hut, pretending to look for a horse that had strayed from the herd. In this way the groom's family learned how rich and well-to-do the girl's family was, got acquainted with her parents, and were convinced of the dexterity and skill of the future bride.

"The deepest traditions of the people, including the Kalmyk people, are what our great Russia is strong and proud of. Every word, gesture, action has the deepest sacred meaning. I would like to thank our President, the Government and the organizers of the RUSSIA EXPO for the fact that on the eve of the Year of the Family they have put an emphasis on demonstrating and holding such folk wedding ceremonies", — said Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, congratulating the newlyweds.

Another colorful national wedding ritual is the bringing of a bortkha, a Kalmyk flask made of natural leather. During the tea party in the bride's parents' kibitka wagon, the first bortkha is taken out by an reputable guest of the groom's relatives. In this way he indirectly declares the purpose of his visit. If the parties agree, the matchmakers from the groom's side bring the second and third bortkha, the elders say good wishes, and the future relatives begin to discuss the date of the wedding.

"Thank you so much for having the main ceremony of your life with us. When else will you get to a real Kalmyk wedding - certainly never, only at the RUSSIA EXPO! Your wedding is incredibly beautiful, interesting, full of traditions, and I wish you to share these traditions with your children. I wish you in Russian - peace, harmony and prosperity. Be happy, love each other, be together all the time and look in the same direction", — Deputy Director General of the ANO «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"» Anastasia Zvyagina joined in the congratulations.

A theatrical performance was staged by artists of the B. Basangov National Drama Theatre. The production Kalmyk Wedding has been on stage for many years and the audience likes it very much, but on December 12 at the RUSSIA EXPO this bright and original performance ended with a real wedding ceremony for the first time.

The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. During the whole period of the Exposition, 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 International RUSSIA EXPO is held at VDNH in Moscow from November 4, 2023 to April 12, 2024.