Yakutia's Days of Tanha blend ancient rituals with modern cultural celebrations

The Days of Tanha, known in Yakut as Tanha iihilleeheen or 'Listening to Tanha,' are being celebrated from January 13 to January 19. This annual event marks a time when Yakut traditions blend with modern cultural practices. In Yakutsk, evening divinations and performances will take place in venues like the House of Archi and local museums, keeping ancient customs alive in a contemporary setting. Historically, the night of January 13 was the most important for divination in Yakut villages. People avoided performing rituals at home, choosing bathhouses or barns instead. If done incorrectly, spirits summoned during these ceremonies could linger in living spaces, causing disturbances.

The divinations often involved observing the weather. Cold conditions foretold fewer deaths in the coming year, while warmth suggested many. According to belief, water demons called *syulyukyuns*—sent by Arsan Duolan—recorded each death in the *Hara Suruk*, or 'Black Ledger.' These practices were tied to the belief that Tanha Haan Toion, the god of fate, drew closest to the human world during this period, thinning the veil between realms. Today, urban celebrations in Yakutsk focus less on active divination and more on cultural preservation. Events feature masters of *osokhai* chanting and performances of *olonkho* epics, reflecting a mix of traditional Yakut and Orthodox influences. On January 17, the House of Friendship of the Peoples will host an evening dedicated to the sacred days, continuing the tradition in a modern context.

The Days of Tanha remain a key cultural event for the Yakut people, bridging ancient beliefs with present-day customs. While traditional divination has faded in cities, the focus now lies in storytelling, music, and rituals that honour heritage. The celebrations ensure that the connection to Tanha Haan Toion and Yakut traditions endures for future generations.