Prayers and Film Shows mark His Holiness’ Birthday in Russia
Tuesday, 8 July 2008, 6:33 p.m.
Moscow: The Tibet Culture and
Information Centre and Save Tibet Foundation based in Moscow organised
prayer sessions and film shows to celebrate the 73rd birthday of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama on 6 July.
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
