MOSCOW: The 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the supreme spiritual leader and saviour of  Tibet, was celebrated on 6 July in several cities in Russian Federation.
 
In the capital of Russia, the celebration was jointly organised by Tibet Culture and Information Center, the official agency of Central Tibetan Administration, Save Tibet Foundation, and Buddhist Community in Moscow, at the Central House of Writers, which has a capacity of 500 seats in the  prestigious hall in the centre of Moscow. The ceremony began with His Holiness’ long life prayer, chanted by a group of Drepung Gomang monks, led by Khentrul Rinpoche.
 
Welcoming the guests and friends and supporters of Tibet from different aspects of life, Dr. Nawang Rabgyal, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia & Commonwealth of Independent States, spoke on the view and vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His  three  main commitments in His life. It was followed by an inspiring speech by Dr. Andrey Terentyev, Chief Editor of Russian Journal of Buddhism, who served as translator of His Holiness during the visits to Russia in 1990s and  who translated and edited several books by His Holiness and on Tibet. Another guest speaker was Khensur Chokey Dorje Budayev, former abbot of Buryat Buddhist Monastery, and the current head of Lamrin Temple in the capital of Buryat Republic.
 
It was followed by screening the film (in Russian translation) on the Templeton Award honouring His Holiness the Dalai Lama in London recently. Thereafter a spiritual song in praise of the Guru Rinpoche and for the long life of His Holiness was chanted by Lama Pema Rangdol Rinpoche, a Yogi currently visiting Russia from Yolmo retreat in Nepal. In this gala gathering, the Shanak Cham (Black Hat dance) was performed by Drepung Gomang monks. Thereafter  a professional singer from Kalmyk Republic, Miss Irindjan,  sang a song in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and it was followed by the traditional throat song by famous singer from Altia Republic, Ms. Chenand, and Indian Khatak dance performance by Russian dancer, and the snow lion dance by Gomang monks..
 
On this auspicious occasion, the Russian translation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s book “The Universe in a Single Atom” and another book  “Buddhist Heritage Sites of India” were released. In the gallery of Central House of Writers, organised the  photo exhibition on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which  was viewed by the public.
 
In the evening, in honour of His Holiness’ birthday the dinner reception was hosted at restaurant “Selenge” for the distinguished guests:  members of parliament, government officials, scholars, journalists, representatives of traditional Buddhist Republics, Dharma centers , friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans. Representative Nawang Rabgyal welcomed the guests and several distinguished guests spoke in praise of His Holiness’ noble mission and activities.
 
In Elista, the capital of Kalmyk Republic, His Holiness’ birthday was celebrated  at the  Buddhist Temple with long life prayer, led by Shachen (Head) Lama of Kalmyk Buddhists Union, Rev. Telo Tulku  Rinpoche. In the evening the birthday cake was distributed to the public in the center of the city. In Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryat Republic,  the Green Tara Center, led by its spiritual teacher Geshe Jampa Thinley, celebrated the birthday.Also His Holiness’ long life prayer was organised by Tibetan Community in Ulan Ude, headed by President  Gedun. The celebration of His Holiness’ birthday was held in Kyzyl, capital of Tuva Republic. They sent congratulation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on this happy occasion.

(Report filed by Office of Tibet, Moscow)