The leaders of Moscow assigned land for building a Buddhist temple in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Mountain. This was announced by RIA Novosti, referring to the mayor’s second-in-command in matters of sport, tourism and interregional co-operation, Sergei Bailakov. The decision about building the temple was made several years ago, but difficulties arose with assigning the actual plot of land.

Monday was the first day after an almost two month period of -40 grade freeze, that the temperature rose to -25 degrees.

The elders say: “It is always like this after Shagaa.” In Lunar calendar, Shagaa is the start of the spring-summer season. Interestingly, this Lunar New Year fell on the same date with Maslenica, which is also a symbol of parting with winter. Regardless of the -40 degree freeze, the holiday activities yesterday on Museum Square of Kyzyl attracted great crowds.