The Republic of Buryatia celebrates several holidays throughout the year. The Buddhist Lunar New Year, or Tsagaalgan, is celebrated in accordance with Mongolian moon calendar and begins on the eve of the Lunar New Year, usually in late January to early February. This traditional Buddhist holiday has only recently been revived after the years of Soviet rule. Ceremonies associated with Tsagaalgan last for sixteen days.
Other festivities include Maidari, a midsummer Buddhist festival honoring the Buddha of the Future, and Surkharban, a sports competition featuring wrestling, horse races and archery. Surkharban is held at the Hippodrome the first Sunday in June.
Religious holidays of the Russian Orthodox church are also celebrated.