The rite of initiation into a shaman in the city of Ulan-Ude: traditions and modernity

The article based on the author's field research deals with the modern rite of initiation into a shaman in Ulan-Ude setting a precedent in the national historiography. The author focuses on the peculiarities of the rite, its similarities and differences with other rituals practiced before the October revolution of 1917 and nowadays in the Trans-Baikal krai. It is concluded that the contemporary rite of initiation into the shaman follows the Khori-Buryat version which appears as the most intact one.