Baikal is the cleanest and deepest lake in the world, and the history of its existence is more than 20 million years old. This largest freshwater reservoir, created by nature itself, is part of the world heritage, and in 1999 a holiday was instituted in its honor.
Lake Baikal Day was established recently, in 1999, but the popularity of this holiday has already made it one of the most important dates on the calendar. It is celebrated throughout Russia and prepared for it in advance. Events dedicated to the Day of Baikal are held in many cities. It organizes festivals, concerts, cultural and scientific exhibitions, sports and theatrical performances.
The date dedicated to the ancient lake changes from year to year. Until 2008, it fell on the fourth Sunday in August, then on the second Sunday in September. The purpose of all events is to draw attention to environmental issues, which are becoming an increasingly burning topic every day. Environmental clean-ups are dedicated to them, during which garbage is collected from the shores of reservoirs throughout the country.
The establishment of a holiday dedicated to Lake Baikal is associated with the adoption in 1999 of the legal framework for its protection. This reservoir is unique in terms of the diversity of flora and fauna; an impressive part of plant and animal species live only here. Thanks to the adopted norms, a special list of prohibited activities on the territory of the lake and the surrounding area has been formed. In 2008, it was possible to limit the operation of the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill, the main source of industrial waste that pollutes the lake.
During the short period of existence of the Day of Baikal, its own traditions have emerged. For example, for seven years now, an international festival has been held in Irkutsk, within the framework of which documentaries and educational films from the series "Man and Nature" are shown to children and adults. Schools in the surrounding region offer lessons on the history of the lake and environmental issues. The Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore annually organizes a children's tournament "Knights of Baikal", summing up the results of creative and scientific competitions held throughout the previous year.
At the end of all the events of the day, the participants gather together to walk across the Angarsk bridge to the Irkutsk monument to Aleksadr III. The final action is called "It should be clean after the holiday!", During which order is put in order on the embankment, streets, paths and lawns.
