The Shajin (Supreme) Lama of Kalmykia says that people often ask him about the upcoming new year. His reply is that people’s futures are in their own hands. He advices the audience to keep faith and have a hope that everything will be good. If people do kind deeds and have the correct motivation, he continues, it is possible to collect buyn (merit). The Kalmyks celebrate five national holidays each year, including Tsagan Sar, Zul, Ur Sar, the Day of the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma and the Descent of Buddha from Heaven. The Kalmyks have celebrated these holidays for centuries and all of them are related to Buddhism. Kalmyk culture, the Shajin Lama points out, is essentially a Buddhist culture. He also gives advice on how to celebrate Zul. On this day it is important to abstain from alcohol, do good deeds and read mantras for the wellbeing of all living beings. In the end the Shajin Lama congratulates the audience on the holiday of Zul. The prayers read at the Central Temple in Elista include the refuge in the Three Jewels, prayers dedicated to Tsongkapa, as well as prayers praising the good deeds of Tsongkapa, the Buddha and bodhisattvas.