MOSCOW: As the 14th Kashag has declared and is observing 2014 as the “Year of the Great 14th Dalai Lama”, the 79th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the supreme spiritual leader and saviour of Tibet and Tibetans, was celebrated by Tibetans, Buddhists, admirers of His Holiness and friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans in several cities of the Russian Federation.

In Moscow, the official ceremony began with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life prayer, chanted by a group of Tibetan monks. Welcoming the guests and friends and supporters of Tibet from different aspects of life, Representative Nawang Rabgyal spoke on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Three Main Commitments. It was followed by speech of special guest speaker Dr. Andrey Terentyev, scholar and Chief Editor of Russian Journal of Buddhism. He spoke on the View and Vision of His Holiness, narrating his observation during meetings with His Holiness. Dr. Terentyev translated and edited several books by His Holiness and on Tibet. He served as translator of His Holiness during the visit to Russia in 1990s. Several guests, including Mrs. Julia Bechernina of Tibet House, spoke in praise of His Holiness’s noble mission and activities for peace, harmony and freedom.

In this gala gathering, several Russian artists performed songs and dances. Tibetan dances performed  by a group of students of Dzogchen Center was highly appreciated by the audience. The above public event was organized in the center of Moscow at the hall of Library of Foreign Literature. It was jointly organized by Moscow-based Tibet House and Tibet Culture & Information Center (TCIC), an official agency of Central Tibetan Administration.

On this joyous and  auspicious occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday , the TCIC hosted  a dinner reception at restaurant “Seelenge”  for the distinguished guests: scholars, journalists, members of parliament, representatives of three traditionally Buddhist Republics, Dharma Centers, and Tibet Support Groups. Several guests raised toss wishing His Holiness the good health, long life and success.

In Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryat Republic, His Holiness’s birthday celebration was organized by Green Tara Center and Tibetan Community. Geshe Thinley Wangchen, spiritual head of  Green Tara Center, addressed the public gathering. In Elista, the capital of Kalmyk Republic, His Holiness’ long life prayer was organized by Kalmyk Buddhist Temple and Friends of Tibet Society.The celebration His Holiness’ birthday was held in Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva Republic. In St. Petersburg the Aryadeva Buddhist Center organized the public celebration with prayer and speeches on His Holiness’ noble thought and activities.Buddhist centers in other cities also celebrated His Holiness’ birthday with prayers wishing Him long life and all success.