Opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia: National Costumes, Yohor, and Cultural Traditions

Students from Irkutsk National Research Technical University (INRTU) joined an event marking the opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The gathering took place on February 5 at the House of Youth. More than 30 INRTU students from Africa, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Cameroon, and Turkmenistan took part.

The program featured workshops and national games. Participants discovered the Buryat dice game Shagai Naadan and were introduced to the unique culture of the Evenki people. The most agile competed in throwing a maut (a lasso used for catching reindeer) while fans of art practiced Cossack scarf painting. Shaska Flankirovka, Caucasus sword dance, was also presented.

Daria Lobanova, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy at INRTU, noted that the opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia was a symbolic event that highlights Russians' shared bonds, mutual respect, and friendship among all who live, study, and work here:

"INRTU now hosts over 1500 international students of diverse nationalities, religions, and cultural backgrounds, each already part of our big INRTU family. We fully embrace the values of unity and diversity, and we'll keep building a welcoming, open, and respectful environment for everyone who comes here".

Andrian Amsheev, Specialist in International Student Affairs at the Center for International Services, participated in the online broadcast of the solemn opening ceremony of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, during which the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin delivered a greeting. The university staff member believes such events hold special meaning for INRTU students, as the university is a multinational educational hub:

“Participation in such events helps international students better understand the cultures and traditions of the peoples of Russia, while showing Russians the country's diversity up close. The value of the event lies not only in its educational component but also in the opportunity for personal communication, joint creativity and youth engagement in intercultural dialogue”.

During the event, students took part in an ethno-quiz on Russia's peoples' traditions and culture, and joined a mass Yohor – a Buryat circle dance.

It is worth noting that many young people came to the celebration in national costumes. For example, Purev-Ochir Monkhzayaa, a student of the School of Power Engineering, came to study at the INRTU from Mongolia. She showcased a traditional outfit an outfit with elements passed down through generations.

“At the Day of the Opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, we saw representatives of various peoples together in national costumes that reflect their cultural traditions, beliefs, and the natural surroundings of a large and friendly country. The event was highly musical with plenty of interactive fun. I especially enjoyed playing ‘Shagai Naadan’.

Such events bring completely different people together and create a unique atmosphere, while the workshops help us understand each other better,” 

said Purev-Ochir Monkhzayaa.