The festival was organised by the local Buddhists and they invited monks from Gyudme Tantric Monastery in Hunsur in South India to perform Buddhist rituals, chantings and to make the Tara sand mandala.

The opening ceremony of the 12-day Buddhist Festival, held in Elista, was attended by over 200 local Buddhists, assistant to Kalmyk President Mr. Karuev, Vice Mayor of Elista Mr. Namruev, and Mr. Tashi.

Mr. Tashi addressed a gathering, urging the Russians to support the Tibetan cause. He gave interviews to the local TV and newspapers about Tibet, its culture, present situation inside Tibet and Sino-Tibetan relations.

He also gave live interview to the Kalmyk Television Studio as people there take keen interest in Tibet, its culture and religion.