MOSCOW: The 76th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was celebrated on 6 July by Tibetans, Russian Buddhists, friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans in several cities in Russian Federation.

In the capital of Russia, the Tibet Culture and Information Center, the official agency of Central Tibetan Administration, hosted the official reception at restaurant ‘Selenge’ in the heart of Moscow. It was attended by distinguished guests which include member of parliament, scholars, journalist, representatives of  traditional Buddhist Republics, friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans. The celebration started with the long-life-prayer and offering of scarves and flowers to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In his address, Representative Nawang Rabgyal, while welcoming the guests, spoke on the view and vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness’ three main commitment in  life, and recent transfer of the political and administrative  power and responsibilities to the democratically elected leadership of Tibetans in exile. The representatives of three Buddhist Republics and several guests from different aspects of life, including the member of Russian Parliament, Mr Rafael Gimalov, while conveying greetings, spoke on the noble activities and vision of His Holiness. Mr Gimalov urged the Buddhists in Russia to start the signature campaign calling upon the Moscow to issue visa for their supreme spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Tashi, Additional Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations, and former Representative to Russia & CIS in 2002-2008, in his eloquent Russian, spoke on the Tibetan-Russian contacts and conveyed the greetings on behalf of  DIIR.

In Elista, the capital of  Kalmyk Republic, Tibetans and friends of Tibet celebrated the birthday at Kalmyk Buddhist Temple with Sangsol and prayer for long life of His Holiness. A film in Russian on the daily activities of His Holiness from morning to evening entitled as ‘The Dalai Lama: Sun Rise and Sun Set’ was shown to the public. It was followed by concert which was attended by over thousand people.

In Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryat Republic, several programmes were hosted by Tibetans, Buddhist organisations and friends of Tibet.

The prayer for long life of His Holiness was organised at Green Tara Center and Buddhist Center of Rinpoche-Bagsha. The newly formed theater groups called ‘Lotus’ and ‘Altan Bulagag’ organised the concert for the public.

In Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva Republic, the Buddhists and supporters of Tibet celebrated the 76th birthday of His Holiness with prayer and public function with joy and fanfare.

The birthday was celebrated by Buddhists in other cities and towns. The spiritual and cultural contact between Tibet and Russia was established in the 17th century, when the Buddhism  started to spread in the territories of Buryatia, Kalmykia and Tuva in Russian Federation. The Buddhist in three republics in Russian Federation regard the Dalai Lamas as their supreme spiritual leader.