Prayers and Film Shows mark His Holiness' Birthday in Russia

Some six hundred guests from all walks of live thronged the Xudojestvennyi Theatre to watch the documentary film "Sun Rise and Sun Set" featured on daily life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It was directed by Russian filmmaker Vitaly Manskyi and filmed during the long life prayer offering for His Holiness by the Buddhists of Russia and Mongolia in Dharamshala last year.

This film was one of the selected films screened during the 30th Moscow International Film Festival held from 21- 28 June. Its premiere was attended by the Tibetan Parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Karma Chophel, Kalmykia President Kirsan Ilhumjhinov, Telo Rinpoche, several Russian politicians and TV personalities.

Director Manskyi expressed his disappointment over the Chinese embassy's attempt to prevent the film to hit the screen on His Holiness' birthday.

Tashi, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Moscow, presented traditional Tibetan scarves and souvenirs to the director, producer and the crew members as a token of gratitude for their excellent work.

He lauded the valuable efforts of the founding members of Save Tibet Foundation, including Melnikov Andrian, Kubareva Galina and Jironkina Julia, in making the event successful.

A photo exhibit on His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also on display.

In Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia, Tibetans and local Kalmyk monks of the main Buddhist Genden Shedrub Choekhorling monastery organised a grand long life prayer offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

A documentary film on His Holiness was screened for the public at the conference hall of the main Buddhist temple. Local artists and singers performed traditional and modern songs and dances during a public concert at the Friendship Park.

Kalmyk President Kirsan Ilhumjhinov and Telo Rinpoche, spiritual leader of Mongolia, have sent birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The minister for Education, Science and Culture, also officially sent his good wishes to the Tibetan people.

Three huge birthday cakes with a message - 'Happy Birthday to Your His Holiness and Welcome soon to Kalmykia' - were distributed to the guests.

In Buryat capital Ulan Ude, the Green Tara Buddhist Centre initiated by Geshe Thinley organised a grand public concert at the National Theatre. The local artists and singers performed traditional songs and dances on the festive occasion.

In Tuva, local Tuvanian monks and local people gathered at their main Buddhist temple and offered prayers for the long life and good health of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

--Report filed by Tibet Culture & Information Centre, Moscow. Edited by Lobsang Choedak