This year sixth photography competition “The sacred groves”, organized by Estonian community of native religion Maavalla Koda, was held influenced by the Finno-Ugric culture. Among the photos of sacred places from seven states the works made by relative nations, living in Estonia and Russia, composed the main part. The sacred places of Finish, Karelian, Komi, Estonian, Mari, Udmurt and Hunts were represented during the contest, the organizers told to the media center FINUGOR.

The main prize was given to the main artist of Mari national theatre Sergey Tatygin for the photo “World prayer”. In the photo we can see World prayer which is held once in five years in one of the most ancient sacred groves of Mari – Chokmoto near the village Kukmari in the Soviet region of Mari El Republic.

Dan Myyry received the prize as young photographer for his work with the image of sacrificed stone in sacred grove Kalma in Poltsamaa region, Jogevamaa. Eighteen awards were given at all such as special prizes in categories as: sacred basin, the pain of sacred grove, world and Finno-Ugric legacy. With all participants’ works you can get acquainted there. In the competition’s photos there are hundred sacred places of Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, India, Thailand and Uzbekistan.

The Estonian community of native religion Maavalla Koda is the union, connecting the communities of native natural beliefs. The community researches and protests the natural sacred places and national beliefs and makes the informational work in this area.

The aim of this year sixth photo contest “The sacred groves” is to understand the importance and to impress natural sacred places and the traditions and customs, connected with them. The competition will be held in 2014 also. You can see all sent works there.