A resident of Abakan ties colorful ribbons (initial point) to the sacred tree of Khakas wood - birch, for the Khakas ritual Chyl Pazy holiday in Abakan.19.03.2011#886269
A resident of Abakan raises a round boulder and must throw it over his shoulder during a traditional event at the Khakas Chyl Pazy holiday in Abakan.19.03.2011#886268
Visitors from the Altai region arrived for the ceremonial Khakas Chyl Pazy holiday in Abakan.19.03.2011#886267
A resident of Abakan in Khakassia in a festive tent offers national dishes of lamb, horse, mare's milk, fish, taiga berries and herbs for the ritual feast of Khakas Chyl Pazy in Abakan.19.03.2011#886266
A resident of Abakan looking at dolls made for the Chyl Pazy holiday by craftswomen in the village of Bely Yar.19.03.2011#886265
A resident of Abakan "feeds" on the tradition of spiritual fire bread, meat, ayranom (a drink made from fermented mare's milk) at the Khakas ceremonial Chyl Pazy holiday.19.03.2011#886264
A resident of Abakan swings on an egg swing - symbol of the beginning of life and the New Year in the Khakas calendar.19.03.2011#886263
Performers of national folk tales competing while playing national music instruments such as tembrel and khomys at Khakas ceremonial festival Chyl Pazy, Abakan.24.03.2007#886262
Ritual egg is the symbol of the start of a new life. True to the legend everybody who touches the egg three times will feel warmth and three of his deep wishes will ome true.24.03.2007#886261
Abakan's women cooking national meal called potkhu, mush with sour cream, at Khakas ceremonial festival Chyl Pazy, Abakan.24.03.2007#886260
Residents of Abakan selling eggs concecrated by the spirit of earth at the Khakass ritual fête Chyl Pazy. Everyone can roll an egg he/she bought on the surface of a ritual egg and eat it afterwards so that his/her wishes become filfilled. 2007.24.03.2007#886259
Honored artist of Russia and Khakassia Alisa Kyzlasova called "White she-wolf" opening festival Chyl Pazy.24.03.2007#886258
