VELIKY NOVGOROD, June 26 (RIA Novosti, Andrei Letyagin) - Traditional Khlebnikov readings will be held in the Novgorod region in European Russia's northwest today.

They are held in memory of poet and prosaic, philosopher Velimir Khlebnikov (1885-1922), a representative of Russian avant-garde, who lived the last days of his life in the Novgorod region, in the village of Ruchyi, where he was buried.

Poets, literary critics and artists have been invited to attend the readings. Guests will be welcomed with mugs with milk in memory of the poet's verse: "A slice of bread, a mug of milk, the sky and clouds is all I need."

The participants will visit the local cemetery and lay wildflowers to a monument to Velimir Khlebnikov. They will also visit the house of culture where Khlebnikov's museum was established.

Locals will proactively participate in the event. Folklore groups will perform there. The readings have been held annually since 1985.