Paggan festivals near me in 2022 will offer a unique and enriching cultural experience. Paggan is a traditional Buriat festival celebrated by the Buriat people of Mongolia, Russia, and China. It is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving, as well as a chance to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for the upcoming year. These festivals are renowned for their vibrant and colorful ceremonies, traditional dances, music, and food. Visitors can witness elaborate rituals and performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Buriat people. From the traditional Buriat yurts (ger) to the ornate costumes and intricate masks, every aspect of the festival is a visual treat.
One day events seem more manageable, and I have a social media feed full of invites and notices to put on my calendar. Perhaps those will be the stop gap as the next group takes over. Yet even those are full of logistical challenges, and the most organized group would also no doubt find it daunting. Being purely online is not the answer, because that feeling, the one you get when you feel safe, seen and celebrated in a group of people standing shoulder to shoulder, is missing. Celebrating in community is a feeling like no other. I had missed it way more than I realized.
The multi-day event I attended was full of ritual, cozy meals, checking on people, vending and a huge organizational maze that was beautifully navigated. I have attended gatherings of all sizes, and the common denominator is usually a group of our wise elders, who are vibrant and capable, but what happens when they are not.
From the traditional Buriat yurts (ger) to the ornate costumes and intricate masks, every aspect of the festival is a visual treat. Paggan festivals also feature a variety of traditional games and activities, which provide a fun and interactive experience for attendees of all ages. These may include horse racing, archery, wrestling, and traditional Buriat games like shagai (ankle bone shooting) and darts.
Pagan Festivals: What Next?
This October, my Samhain month was book-ended with festivals! As a happy introvert Pagan, I am fine with online zoom meetings, workshops on my laptop, or cozy gatherings where I work, at Of Wand & Earth. As I am still promoting my book, Positive Pagan, I was kindly invited to both a day long event, and a multi-day gathering. Both were wonderful events, and gave me much food for thought.
Photo by Pixabay, Laughing RavenBefore I go further, let me state clearly that I am no expert or lifelong Pagan festival goer. You may have a different perspective, and I certainly welcome it. The purpose of this blog entry is to start a discussion on Pagan festivals: what next? Both events were lovely, well attended, and honestly, restored my faith in humanity. It was such a gift to be around like-minded people, those who inspire me, and those who make me want to learn more, more, more.
Yet, I also noticed that most of the work was done by older people, even older than me (and I am Mid-Century, as the saying goes). The multi-day event I attended was full of ritual, cozy meals, checking on people, vending and a huge organizational maze that was beautifully navigated. Yet the average age of those I saw doing the grunt work was in their 60s. Of course, people jumped in an helped, and I know this yearly festival is a labor of love, so it got me wondering: who will continue this work? Will the next generation pick up the baton? Will they start coming to organizational meetings to keep things going? Does anyone even care? Are we content to stay home and stay isolated, relying on others to do the work?
I mulled this over during our car ride home. At one point, as a beautiful ritual unfolded, I looked over at my partner and said happily, “These are my people!” and I meant it, sincerely. Even though I am a happy introvert, the sense of community and togetherness was palpable. The chance to be completely one’s self in like-minded groups is priceless. I have attended gatherings of all sizes, and the common denominator is usually a group of our wise elders, who are vibrant and capable, but what happens when they are not?
One day events seem more manageable, and I have a social media feed full of invites and notices to put on my calendar. Perhaps those will be the stop gap as the next group takes over. Yet even those are full of logistical challenges, and the most organized group would also no doubt find it daunting. Being purely online is not the answer, because that feeling, the one you get when you feel safe, seen and celebrated in a group of people standing shoulder to shoulder, is missing. Celebrating in community is a feeling like no other. I had missed it way more than I realized.
Then there is a safety issue, of those who see these events as threatening, and show up to cause havoc, and possibly harm. Will that discourage us? Will be circle our wagons and keep to ourselves and our communities? Will online groups and events be more effected if that happens?
Out there in the world of possibilities, I believe there is an answer. As always, we will evolve and adapt. The younger generations are full of creativity, enthusiasm and passion. Maybe they will create a new type of event that encompasses what we crave in Pagan gatherings. Or maybe not. After COVID, maybe online is an inevitability, to keep us all healthy and safe. Or maybe we circle the wagons, and continue to provide for our own local communities and continue onward that way.
What I got to see in those events, and in others I attended this year, is so much authenticity and pride. I am sure in the time we all weren’t together, and events were canceled or postponed, we dug down deep, and focused on our spiritual paths. It is my hope that this energy carries ever onward, because without it, the world will be dark and scary indeed.
Blessed Samhain to all! If you have ideas on the future of Pagan events, be sure to note them in the comments. It’s a discussion worth having, as we end this last celebration on the Wheel of the Year.
I mulled this over during our car ride home. At one point, as a beautiful ritual unfolded, I looked over at my partner and said happily, “These are my people!” and I meant it, sincerely. Even though I am a happy introvert, the sense of community and togetherness was palpable. The chance to be completely one’s self in like-minded groups is priceless. I have attended gatherings of all sizes, and the common denominator is usually a group of our wise elders, who are vibrant and capable, but what happens when they are not?
In addition to the cultural festivities, Paggan festivals are an opportunity to indulge in the delicious and diverse Buriat cuisine. Traditional dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings), bansh (meat-filled dumplings), and boortsog (fried dough) are served during the festivals, allowing visitors to taste the flavors of the Buriat culture. While the exact dates and locations of Paggan festivals in 2022 may vary, they are typically held during the summer months and in rural areas where the Buriat people reside. These festivals offer a chance to immerse oneself in the customs, traditions, and history of the Buriat people, creating lasting memories and a deeper understanding of their culture. Whether you are a local or a tourist visiting the area, attending a Paggan festival in 2022 will be an unforgettable experience. It provides an opportunity to connect with the Buriat culture, witness traditional ceremonies, enjoy music and dance performances, participate in games and activities, and savor the delicious flavors of Buriat cuisine. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this vibrant and enchanting celebration!.
Reviews for "Celebrate the Seasons: Pagan Festivals Near Me in 2022"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Paggan festival near me in 2022. The organization was chaotic, and it seemed like they didn't have a clear plan in terms of scheduling and activities. The lines for food and drinks were ridiculously long, and there was a lack of variety when it came to the food options available. The live performances were also subpar, with sound issues and poor stage setup. Overall, it was a frustrating experience, and I wouldn't recommend attending this festival in the future.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - Attending the Paggan festival near me in 2022 was a complete waste of time and money. The event was overcrowded with little to no organization. It felt like a massive money grab, as the prices for food, drinks, and activities were exorbitant. The limited seating areas were taken up by people who didn't even bother watching the performances, making it impossible to enjoy the entertainment. The overall atmosphere was chaotic and disorganized, leaving me feeling incredibly disappointed. Save your money and find a better festival to attend.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the Paggan festival near me in 2022, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The event lacked proper signage and directions, making it difficult to navigate the various areas. The main stage was poorly positioned, and it was hard to see and hear the performances from certain spots. The food and drink options were limited, and the prices were unreasonably high. Overall, it felt like a poorly planned and executed event, and I wouldn't recommend attending it unless improvements are made.
4. Jessica - 1/5 - The Paggan festival near me in 2022 was a complete disaster. The organizers clearly did not anticipate the number of attendees, as there were not enough facilities to accommodate everyone. The toilets were filthy, and the lack of basic sanitation was appalling. The event's infrastructure was lacking, with long wait times for food and drinks, and there were not enough seating options for people to relax and enjoy the festival. It was a disappointment from start to finish, and I regretted spending my money on it. I would strongly advise against attending this festival in the future.
5. David - 2/5 - This year's Paggan festival near me was a letdown. The event was overcrowded, and I felt like sardines packed in tight. The lack of proper crowd control and security measures made it feel unsafe at times. The overall atmosphere was unorganized, and it was a struggle to navigate between different areas. The performances were lackluster, and the sound quality was poor. Although there were a few highlights, such as the food vendors, the negatives outweighed the positives. I would think twice about attending this festival again.