Once upon a time the lama Tsongkapa fell ill. No one could help him. But one astrologist told Tsongkapa’s followers to collect leaves, boil them in water and give the tea to their masters to drink it for a month. Tsongkapa recovered. Since then the Kalmyks began to include tea in their offerings to gods. According to Sergei, Zul is the birthday of the Kalmyk nation and Tsagan Sar is a celebration of New Year. Tsagan Sar is also an old holiday. Chingis Khan himself celebrated this holiday in autumn when the livestock get fat and milk products are in abundance. Later he began to celebrate Tsagan Sar in spring. In the past, wealthy people put on new clothes, killed animals and invited others for a celebration. According to Sergei, Ur Sar has a Russian influence. On this day, the Kalmyks make tea, cook meat and invite their relatives to their homes.