This time I’m heading to Kalmykia, the only Buddhist region in Europe.
One of the most striking sights here is the camels. They are regarded as sacred animals, and people treat them with great respect. I meet a camel named Fedya, who not only lets me pet him but even happily takes me for a ride.
I arrive in Kalmykia just as the republic is celebrating Zul, a festival that marks the beginning of winter and the start of the New Year. To experience the celebration properly, I visit a local family. Together we brew jomba tea with salt and butter and make the “boat of life,” a traditional festive dish that symbolizes the continuation of the family line. In the restaurants of Elista I also try beregi, juicy Kalmyk dumplings that are traditionally eaten by hand, and even...camel meat!
Did you know that during Zul the first portion of food is taken to the altar as a spiritual offering? Or that Kalmyk tea was once brewed in mutton broth? discover this and much more in my new episode!
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