Believers and the curious, from as far away as Moscow, come to pay their respects to the 12th Khombo Lama by touching their foreheads to the khadaks (silk scarves) he wears. Please note - there is usually no photography allowed inside this and most other Buddhist temples. This photo was taken with the permission of the Itigilov institute.

The datsan sponsors a traditional sports festival after the festival, and the lamas are among the most avid spectators.

Before the wrestling competition, local dance troupes and musicians perform.

Presentation of a khadak, a silk scarf, is a traditional gesture of welcome and respect.

Wrestling is the most popular of the three 'manly arts'. The referees wear national costume, and the rules are simple - only two points of a competitor's body can touch the ground at any one time - any more and you're out.

The winner does an 'eagle dance' to celebrate his victory, and the flair of his performance is almost as important to the spectators as his actual victory.