Lake Svetloyar
Lake Svetloyar – is one of the most magnificent lakes in Russia, which is generously endowed with various legendary stories and myths. It belongs to the Nizhny Novgorod region and is the largest and deepest body of water of this region. Its area is about 12 hectares, and in the most advanced place, there are 40 meters. Lake Svetloyar belongs to the territory of the national reserve "Voskresensky Povetluzhye".
As for the origin of Svetloyar, scientists even today cannot put forward a single opinion. The uniqueness of the lake lies in the fact that the waters filling it always remain clean and transparent, and also do not overgrow with algae. If you pour water from a given pond into a vessel, then it can be stored there for several years without losing transparency, as well as taste. The lake is always cold, as it feeds on underwater and bottom keys.
Near the lake, on the territory of the reserve, an old wooden church found its place, which was built in honor of the Kazan Mother of God. Here you can also find the spring and ancient grave, which belongs to the three saints. People who believe in the magical properties of the grave often take with them its land, thanks to which they are healed of all kinds of misfortunes.
Every year on July 6, an established celebration entitled « Ivan Kupala » is held on the shores of Lake Svetloyar. A solemn ceremony of worship is being held here, which is accompanied by a procession around the pond. It is on this day that many pilgrims from all over the country come here. The celebration continues the so-called City of Masters, which co-bred all talented artisans. At this time, it is possible to participate in various master classes. On the adjacent territory of Lake Svetloyar there is a museum « Kitezh », which hosts the festival « Grad Kitezh - the soul of Russia » on this day. On a fabulous night from July 6 to July 7, candles light up around the lake, and the celebration of « Ivan Kupala » begins. There is a belief here: if you make three circles around the perimeter of the lake with a burning candle, then the planned desire will certainly come true. Previously, this holiday was accompanied by the burning of bonfires and jumping through them.
You can get to Lake Svetloyar as part of an excursion group that are constantly organized in the summer from Nizhny Novgorod. A particularly fascinating trip would be if it coincides with the celebration of "Ivan Kupala".
There is a legend that in the waters of Svetloyar the city of Kitezh is hidden. During the capture by the Mongols of Russia, Han Baty heard about the city of Kitezh and decided to capture it. Approaching the city, the Mongols did not see protective fortifications, but only praying people. Feeling easy prey, they attacked the city, but suddenly water went out of the ground, flooding many invaders and the city. The church went under water and soon only water surface remained in place of the city of Kitezh. Old-timers claim that at Lake Svetloyar sometimes you hear the singing and ringing of bells, and only those who are pure in soul and heart can see the city. The lake is sometimes called the "Russian Atlantis".
