Maria says that historically the Kalmyks celebrated Ur Sar at the end of May or at the beginning of June, a time when spring ends and summer begins. It is also when livestock multiplies. In Kalmyk the word ur has two meanings, (1) a friend, a comrade, and (2) an offspring. Ur Sar is also a religious holiday. Early in the morning the Kalmyks make tea and biscuits and offer them to gods. It is a custom to tie colorful ribbons to trees and make wishes. During Ur Sar people pay visits to each other and hold public competitions (in archery, wrestling and horse racing) across Kalmykia.