The local national and cultural autonomy of the Tatars of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk held the ancient Tatar holiday “Aulak oy” (Gatherings).

“Aulak oy” means a secluded (without elders) house. In the Tatar villages in late autumn and winter, girls came to visit someone at home. As a rule, they took yarn with them, knitted, sewed, etc.Young people brought gifts and food to the gatherings. The girls cooked pancakes, porridge, pies from the brought products. In days of old, boys and girls used the holiday to get to know each other, choose their grooms and brides, converse and have fun.

The holiday “Aulak oy” was held in a warm atmosphere. The event brought together compatriots from Okha, Kholmsk, Poronaysk and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Together they watched a theatricalized composition of the holiday performed by the Duslyk ensemble.

Larisa Malysheva