The correct name for the pillars is serge, which literally means "hitching post." Their purpose is more ritual than practical: it is believed that celestial beings, earthly inhabitants, and denizens of the underworld are supposed to tether their steeds to the three horizontal grooves.
The ribbons aren't ribbons at all, but special khadak scarves. They are tied to petition the spirits: different colors symbolize different requests. For example, white means health, green means fertility, and so on.
You can see the serge pillars on the sacred island of Olkhon and even make a secret wish on one of our trips to Lake Baikal.
Group tours to Lake Baikal can be found here .
Individual tours are available here .
The ribbons aren't ribbons at all, but special khadak scarves. They are tied to petition the spirits: different colors symbolize different requests. For example, white means health, green means fertility, and so on.
You can see the serge pillars on the sacred island of Olkhon and even make a secret wish on one of our trips to Lake Baikal.
Group tours to Lake Baikal can be found here .
Individual tours are available here .