Traditions, religion, and cuisine of

Baikal Natives

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Introduction
Customs
Cuisine
Religion

Baikal natives — Buryat people

About 97 nationalities are living in Russia! Almost all of them have their Republic – a native territory where they live according to their traditions. There are two official languages in such Republics – Russian and local, for example, the Buryat language in the Buryatia Republic.

Buryatia is to the East and South of Baikal. About one million people live there. Buryats have a vibrant and ancient culture, which they keep to this day. Most of the names of rivers, mountains, and other places around Baikal came from the Buryat language.

To visit Baikal means to learn about the Buryats. These people have lived here for hundreds of years. They are spiritually connected with Baikal, with its past and future. International tourists can learn about Buryat customs and Shamanism and Buddhism traditions by visiting Ust-Orda museums and the other places we noted.

“Be kind to all life around, respect your ancestors, and one day you will perform your purpose in this life.”

Buryat shaman

Where to learn

local people customs and traditions:

There are three places where international tourists can learn about local people’s culture and traditions.

The first one is Ust-Orda. Here tourists can visit the Center of Shamanism, souvenir shops, and the museum «Golden Horde.»

The second place is the open-air museum Taltsy. Get a guided tour through the museum to see wooden architecture 17-19th centuries, or learn Baikal natives culture on your own.

Ulan-Ude city is the third one. Visit different kinds of museums and enjoy the beauty of Buddhist temples in the capital of Buryatiya Republic.

 

“Be kind to all life around, respect your ancestors, and one day you will perform your purpose in this life.”

Buryat shaman

By the religion,

Buryat people are divided into two parts:

Buddhism

Shamanism

Buddhism is widespread to the East of Baikal. A large number of Buddhist monasteries are located in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic.
This widespread world religion came to Buryats from Mongolia and Tibet.
The most attractive place for tourists is Ivolginskiy Datsan, where guests have the opportunity to see the body of Buddhist monk Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov.

Western Buryats live according to the customs of Shamanism. They live mainly in the territory of the Irkutsk region. Shamanism is not quite a religion in the usual meaning of this word. It is a unique way of life.
A person lives in harmony with the surrounding nature respecting and preserving his ancestors’ traditions. Shamans say that everyone should take care of all living beings, animals, and plants. Each human is an integral part of our Universe, and he was born with a specific purpose, which he must
fulfill during his life.

“The Universe has given you a chance to make our World better. So let your ancestors be proud of you!”

Buryat shaman

Baikal Natives

Traditions, religion, and cuisine of

Page Navigation:
Introduction
Customs
Cuisine
Religion

Baikal natives — Buryat people

About 97 nationalities are living in Russia! Almost all of them have their Republic – a native territory where they live according to their traditions. There are two official languages in such Republics – Russian and local, for example, the Buryat language in the Buryatia Republic.

Buryatia is to the East and South of Baikal. About one million people live there. Buryats have a vibrant and ancient culture, which they keep to this day. Most of the names of rivers, mountains, and other places around Baikal came from the Buryat language.

To visit Baikal means to learn about the Buryats. These people have lived here for hundreds of years. They are spiritually connected with Baikal, with its past and future. International tourists can learn about Buryat customs and Shamanism and Buddhism traditions by visiting Ust-Orda museums and the other places we noted.

“Be kind to all life around, respect your ancestors, and one day you will perform your purpose in this life.”

Buryat shaman

Where to learn local people customs and traditions:

There are three places where international tourists can learn about local people’s culture and traditions.

The first one is Ust-Orda. Here tourists can visit the Center of Shamanism, souvenir shops, and the museum «Golden Horde.»

The second place is the open-air museum Taltsy. Get a guided tour through the museum to see wooden architecture 17-19th centuries, or learn Baikal natives culture on your own.

Ulan-Ude city is the third one. Visit different kinds of museums and enjoy the beauty of Buddhist temples in the capital of Buryatiya Republic.

“Be kind to all life around, respect your ancestors, and one day you will perform your purpose in this life.”

Buryat shaman

By the religion, Buryat people are divided into two parts:

Buddhism

Shamanism

Buddhism is widespread to the East of Baikal. A large number of Buddhist monasteries are located in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic.
This widespread world religion came to Buryats from Mongolia and Tibet.
The most attractive place for tourists is Ivolginskiy Datsan, where guests have the opportunity to see the body of Buddhist monk Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov.

Western Buryats live according to the customs of Shamanism. They live mainly in the territory of the Irkutsk region. Shamanism is not quite a religion in the usual meaning of this word. It is a unique way of life.
A person lives in harmony with the surrounding nature respecting and preserving his ancestors’ traditions. Shamans say that everyone should take care of all living beings, animals, and plants. Each human is an integral part of our Universe, and he was born with a specific purpose, which he must fulfill during his life.

“The Universe has given you a chance to make our World better. So let your ancestors be proud of you!”

Buryat shaman