Russia’s Kalmykia Republic to Host International Buddhist Forum

The Russian Republic of Kalmykia is set to host the 3rd International Buddhist Forum, a major international event celebrating spiritual dialogue and cultural unity. It will take place in Kalmykia’s capital city, Elista, from September 25 to 28.

Kalmykia is the only Buddhist republic in Europe, located in the Eastern Caucasus. Most Kalmyks practice Tibetan Buddhism. The ancestors of the Kalmyks came from the Dzungar Khanate and are descended from ancient Turkic-Mongolian peoples who were originally part of the invading Mongol horde in the 13^th century. At the end of the 16th century, some of the tribes inhabiting Dzungaria separated from the main group and migrated once again to Russia. In 1608–1609, the Kalmyks took the oath of allegiance to the Russian Tsar for the first time. On 20 August 1609, Tsar Vasily IV signed a charter setting out the terms of allegiance for the Kalmyk people.

Kalmykia is a fascinating and beautiful republic, often referred to as the “land of tulips.” It is home to the largest Buddha statue in Europe and is notable for being the first region in Russia to include chess in the compulsory school curriculum. Kalmykia covers an area of 74,731 km² and has a population of about 270,000. It has a Caspian Sea coastline, with some seaports, and the potential to act as a bridge between the Caucasus, Central Asia, and markets in India via the INSTC.

Kalmykia has a developed agricultural sector, while other industries include the food processing and oil and gas sectors. The Dalai Lama has visited Kalmykia on numerous occasions.

The event will serve as a vital platform for in-depth discussions on the evolution and contemporary relevance of Buddhism, the world’s fourth-largest religion, followed by an estimated 500 million people. The forum is expected to welcome participants from more than 30 countries.

Buddhism ranks as the third-largest religion in Russia after Christianity and Islam. Other regions of Russia with significant concentrations of Buddhists include the Republic of Tuva, which borders Mongolia and the Republic of Buryatia, centered around Lake Baikal. Additional vibrant Buddhist communities can be found in major urban centers such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The Kalmykia forum is aimed at reinvigorating the global understanding of Buddhist philosophy, culture, and practice, and will explore how these traditions intersect with the realities of modern life. It will foster international dialogue and strengthen cooperation among Buddhist communities worldwide in the fields of science, education, and culture.

The forum organisers have said that “Buddhism is a philosophy of life that helps people better understand themselves and the world—and to improve it. The event will bring together dozens of countries where Buddhism plays a key role in preserving spiritual values, cultural heritage, and international cooperation for future progress.”

In 2024, the forum was held in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia in Eastern Siberia. That attracted over 3,000 participants from 15 countries and 22 Russian regions.