KALMYKIA: Several thousand people took part in unprecedented Musical Offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama held Sunday in Elista, capital city of the Russian Buddhist Republic of Kalmykia. Initiated by Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and CIS countries, the event attracted 330 performers, mostly young ones, playing traditional musical instrument called “dombra”.
The initiative was supported by the Kalmyk Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Kalmyk Ministry of Education and Science, Elista Mayor Office, Kalmyk National Orchestra, Women Union of Kalmykia and other organizations.
Envisioned as a part of worldwide celebrations of the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the big ceremony was held in front of the main Buddhist temple “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” constructed a decade ago and considered to be the biggest Buddhist shrine both in Russia and Europe. The big banner with a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama against the backdrop of Potala Palace was displayed for the occasion above the front entrance to the temple.
Speaking at the ceremony, Telo Tulku Rinpoche called it “a historic event” that will leave positive imprints on the minds of both the performers and the viewers who joined together in the prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the root guru of the Kalmyk people and to be able to present him with such a colorful musical offering is a big honor for each of us”, said the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and CIS countries.
The performance, held during the holy month of Saga Dawa, included four compositions dedicated to the pure land of Bumba described in the Kalmyk epic stories and the Goddess Tara.
Kalmykia will continue to mark the 80th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In the beginning of July the republic will host artists from the famous Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) who will give their first ever concert in Elista increasing public awareness of the rich culture of Tibet. On July 6th, the very day when the whole world will celebrate the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, TIPA will perform at the Central House of Cinema in Moscow as part of an extensive program organized by the Moscow Office of Tibet and Save Tibet Foundation to mark the occasion.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Moscow –
