> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.ajuna.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.ajuna.io/introducing-ajuna-and-bajun/crowdloans/a-brief-introduction-to-crowdloans.md).

# A brief introduction to Crowdloans

As stated on the [Kusama website](https://kusama.network/auctions/), parachains connect to the network \[that is Polkadot or Kusama] by leasing a slot on the Relay Chain via permissionless auctions. Parachain slot auctions follow a modified [candle auction](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/en/learn-auction#mechanics-of-a-candle-auction) format, with each auction lasting approximately 1 week. To prevent auction sniping (the strategy of bidding at the last moment) and promote more accurate price discovery, the exact endpoint of a particular auction remains unknown until after the auction’s close.

For additional information, you may take at our ["Beginner’s Guide to Parachain Auctions".](https://medium.com/ajuna-network/a-beginners-guide-to-parachain-auctions-52559baa0b60)