Jangar Festival, 2009

Jangariada is a cultural-sport festival which has been celebrated since 1997. Its aim is to promote Kalmyk culture and traditional sports, namely horse racing, archery and wrestling. According to the established convention, the festival is celebrated at the central hippodrome in Elista. On the eve of the competition, thirteen rayons of Kalmykia each send their representatives to Elista who bring yurts with them that serve as mobile ethno-museums showcasing the history and achievements of their respective rayons. In the morning of Jangariada, on the way to the hippodrome, people visit these yurts one by one, partaking in national food, singing songs and dancing. Many rayons also put on short shows and performances. The main celebration, which takes place in the hippodrome, starts with the sound of drums and pipes. A man on a horse gallops across the field announcing the beginning of the games, which is followed by a procession of guests, sportspersons, performers and other participants clad in colorful national costumes. A fire is lit, well-wishes are uttered, and guests are offered silk scarfs as a sign of respect and veneration. Following an official opening ceremony, the games start with a horse race which takes place outside the premises. As soon as the horses leave the hippodrome for a 40-kilometre race, performers, singers and dancers take to the stage. Wrestling and archery take place outside the walls of the hippodrome. Wrestlers come out with their heads covered with a cloth and once the cloth is removed they perform a dance imitating the flight of an eagle. Archers shoot targets placed in the distance of 25 meters. The games culminate when the horses return from the race to the hippodrome where the winners are given prizes. The award ceremony for wrestlers and archers takes place soon afterwards. The festival is closed with a theatrical performance involving dancing and singing.Sponsored by Arcadia Fund, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwi