Sangadzhi says that during Tsagan Sar two gods, Okn Tengr and Tsagan Aav, are honoured. There is a legend about this holiday. Once upon a time there lived a monster (mangas) who was prophesized to father a child that would exterminate the human race. In order to save the humans, the goddess Okn Tengri married the monster, got pregnant and when she was about to give a birth she galloped back home. On her way the goddess gave birth to a boy whom she killed straight away. When she reached her settlement, her hands were dripping with blood. That is why during Tsagan Sar people greet each other by covering their hand with their sleeves. Also, during this holiday it is believed that Tsagan Aav moves his livestock from the winter pasture to the summer one. In order to keep his way clear, it is forbidden to create dust or smoke (by cleaning one’s house or setting a fire). During Tsagan Sar offerings made to the gods include not only Kalmyk tea but alcohol as well. Since alcohol is tantamount to a fire in the world of gods, this kind of offering appeases angry gods and goddesses such as Okn Tengr and Ochirvani. The day before Tsagan Sar, Kalmyks make traditional biscuits (bortsg) of various kinds and cook mutton and Kalmyk tea. Another belief related to this holiday is that during Tsagan Sar ground squirrels appear from their burrows to herald the beginning of spring.