The traditional dwelling of the Kalmyks is the nomadic, round shaped yurt which does not have corners. It is believed that evil spirits (shulmus) hide in the corners. The ritual of cleansing one's home is performed after funerals or when people fall ill. A Buddhist monk or a folk healer is invited to carry out this ritual. A white cloth is spread out on a table. The head of a sheep, tea, vodka, milk and sweets are laid on the cloth. Five candles – one on the table and four on each corner of the house – are lit up and prayers are read by the performer. All members of the family need to be present. After the candles go out, everyone goes outside and sets up a fire. Offerings that are put on the fire include what remains from the candles, half of the sweets, and the head of a sheep that has to be placed so that its muzzle faces towards the house. The fire has also to be sprinkled with vodka and milk. Then all the participants move clockwise around the fire. Afterwards, rice is thrown where the candles stood. The grains of rice should not be removed for three days. During this period it is also forbidden to take anything out of the house. People can perform this ritual annually thus strengthening their ties with their ancestors while cleansing themselves.