The Karga Botkasy ritual has been preserved in its original form in the village of Knya-Bash in the Kukmor district of the Republic of Tatarstan. It falls on the May holidays, so not only the residents of the village but also those who have long lived in other cities and the students who have gone away to study can take part in the ritual during the long weekend.
“Karga botkasy” is associated with the cult of the rook that existed in the old days. According to the beliefs, rooks bring spring on their wings. One day in early spring, as thawed patches (ala kar) appear, children go door-to-door to collect cereals, milk, butter, eggs, and chant zaklichki (spring folk songs). Each villager tries to contribute to the ritual. Having gathered food, children and adults head for a special place to cook ritual gruel. Traditionally, it is cooked by a woman who has many years of experience.
After eating the gruel, children will start playing with eggs, rolling them down the hill. This represents the fertilization of the earth, which has just “woken up” from its winter sleep. Today other folk games are added to the ritual — they are organized by schools and cultural centers.