Overview

• The four-day gathering runs September 25–28 in Elista and brings together representatives from roughly 35 countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America.
• President Vladimir Putin sent a message praising the Buddhist community’s role in harmonizing interethnic and interreligious relations.
• The ceremony opened with Andrey Boltenko’s multimedia musical spectacle “Kochevye naroda,” staged on nine 10‑meter LED screens against the steppe backdrop.
• Senior attendees included Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Kalmykia’s leader Batu Khasikov, and the heads of Buryatia and Tuva alongside Buddhist clergy.
• The program features more than 50 events, including an exhibition of Kalmyk Buddhist art at the National Museum, and plans were announced to launch a Buddhist school modeled on Orthodox Sunday schools.