Aginsk hosts a celebration of Horhog, Luqi, and Shagay Naadan, a festival savoring native cuisines
In the heart of Russia's Aginsky Buryat region, the unique "Horhog. Aginsky Lamb on the Rocks" culinary festival took place on August 9th. This event, now a significant attraction not only for the region but also reaching a federal level in just five years, is a celebration of traditional Buryat cuisine with a distinctive local twist.
The festival opened with national songs and dances, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural exchanges. Master classes and various souvenir products were available for visitors, offering a glimpse into Buryat craftsmanship.
The main event was a competition for the best preparation of horhog, a traditional Buryat method of cooking lamb using hot stones. Each team prepared horhog uniquely, showcasing the high skill levels and uniqueness of Buryat culture.
Simultaneously, the "Best Family in National Costume" contest took place, with five families from Aginsky, Mogoytuisky, Duldugursky districts, and Shenheena participating. The contestants sang or danced and then walked the runway, with the jury evaluating their performance and the number of dishes made within the given time. The audience strongly supported all teams, evoking positive emotions.
Beyond food and fashion, the festival featured archery competitions according to Buryat rules, games like "Shagai Naadam" and "Barga Naadam", and a competition for breaking the backbone bone, where three-person teams competed.
The event was graced by the presence of dignitaries such as Deputy Chairman of the Zabaykalsky Krai Government - Head of the Administration of Aginsky Buryat Okrug Baraz Dugarzhaev, Senator of the Russian Federation Baier Jamtsuev, Minister of Economic Development of Zabaykalsky Krai Zhargalma Badmazhapova, and owner of the ethnocomplex "Kochevnik" Bato Tsyrenzhapov, who gave welcoming speeches.
The festival was held at the ethnocomplex "Kochevnik" in Aginsky District, serving as a platform for preserving and promoting Buryat cultural heritage. By centering around Horhog cooking, the festival helps ensure that this rare culinary practice is preserved and passed down to future generations, maintaining an important part of the Buryat intangible heritage.
The "Horhog. Aginsky Lamb on the Rocks" festival is more than just a culinary event; it's a celebration of cultural identity, a showcase of traditional methods, and a testament to the richness of Buryat cuisine. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Siberia's diverse gastronomic landscape.
The festival was reported on by Zabnews journalist, further spreading the word about this unique event and the preservation of Buryat traditions. As the festival continues to grow, so does the appreciation for Buryat culture, ensuring its continuity for generations to come.
- Visitors at the "Horhog. Aginsky Lamb on the Rocks" festival were offered more than just traditional Buryat food; they also participated in cultural travel experiences, such as learning about Buryat craftsmanship and witnessing traditional national songs and dances.
- The festival not only celebrated Buryat cuisine and the unique Horhog cooking method but also featured various travel-related activities like archery competitions, games like "Shagai Naadam" and "Barga Naadam", and cultural events like the "Best Family in National Costume" contest, making it an engaging choice for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the rich cultural travel scene.
