Altai New Year Chaga-Bayram

Gorno-Altaysk town of the Altai Republic

February 4, 2017

The holiday of Chaga-Bayram among the Altai people, as well as many peoples of Central Asia, marks the astronomical beginning of the New Year. "Chaga-Bayram" in translation into English means "White holiday". The holiday does not have an exact, fixed date and is calculated annually according to the lunar calendar. Chaga-Bayram begins with the beginning of the new moon in late February - early March. The rite of worship of the Sun “Altai” begins from early morning. On the special Tagil Altar, they are presented with treats from dairy products, kyira-ribbons are attached, a bonfire is lit and all this is accompanied by good wishes. Usually the rite is performed by men who adhered to the New Year's Eve with reading the sutras. After the performance of the rite, the celebration begins directly - the people gather, all sorts of cultural and sporting events take place. Ride from the mountains on sledges and on skins of cattle, etc.

Since 2012, Chaga-Bayram is an official holiday of the Altai Republic; It is held on a single day throughout the region and is considered a non-working day. Year after year the holiday becomes more popular and gathers more and more people, thereby uniting the peoples inhabiting the republic, contributing to the preservation and strengthening of traditions, tribal and kinship ties.

In 2017, the ritual part of the holiday will be held in the early morning on Mount Tugaya, and the festive program will begin on the central square of the city at 11:00. In the program of the holiday: theatrical performance, games, competitions, sport contests.

Location: Lenin Square, Gorno-Altaysk