Hasidim in Uman

Every autumn, tens of thousands of Hasidim – followers of one of the branches of Judaism – arrive in the town of Uman in Cherkasy Oblast to celebrate Rosh Hashanah – the equivalent of New Year.

It is in Uman that one of the most revered shrines for Hasidim is located – the grave of one of the founders of the religious movement, the tzaddik Rabbi Nachman. So many Hasidic pilgrims consider it their duty to visit Nachman's grave at least once in their lives.

Hasidim believe that if you celebrate the New Year near Nachman's grave, you will be happier and more successful in the following year.

In addition, according to belief, on the eve of the holiday a Hasid must wash away all the sins accumulated over the year. And although the New Year celebration falls in September-October and the water in the lakes is rather cool, many pilgrims take off all their clothes and plunge into the cool but cleansing water.