Chita to host large Sagaalgan concert on February 18

A festive concert (0+), dedicated to the celebration of Sagaalgan — the New Year according to the Eastern calendar, will be held on Lenin Square in Chita on February 18, as reported on the website «Kultura75».

Residents of Zabaykalsky Krai will receive two additional days off in late February: due to Sagaalgan on February 18 and Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23.

Creative groups from Zabaykalsky Krai will take the stage, and the program will conclude with the traditional Buryat round dance, yokhor.

The event will start at 14:00. Master classes and a fair will be organized for guests, where they can buy gifts and souvenirs. The organizers promise to publish the full celebration program later.

The main celebrations will take place in the Aginsky Buryat Okrug: in the settlement of Aginskoye on February 21, and in Mogoytuy and Duldurga from February 18 to 21. The Sagaalgan celebration will be combined with Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) festivities. Spectators will be able to participate in Buryat pastimes, such as «Morin Erdeni,» where they will need to bring horse equipment and saddle a horse, and traditional Buryat games. Also, for those willing, a pole will be set up from the top of which gifts need to be taken.