Mongolia, Russian Buddhists to organise Buddhist fest in HP

Dharamshala, Nov 1 (UNI) Mongolia and Russian Republics of Kalmykia, Tuva and Buryatia are for the first time jointly organising a grand Buddhist festival in Dharamshala from November 6 to 10, said spiritual head of the Buddhist in Russian Republic Kalmykia Telo Rinpoche here today.

Addressing mediapersons he said, a large number of official dignitaries and media delegation from the Mongolia and Russian Republics of Kalmykia, Tuva and Buryatia were expected to attend the five-day Buddhist festival.

The festival would start with a Mongolian and Russian Buddhist art exhibition at the Tibet Museum of the Department of Information and International Relations, he said.

Mr Rinpoche said, ''We the Buddhists of Mongolia and Russian Buddhists are offering a long life prayer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on November 10.'' He said the Dalai Lama, who was recently honoured with the US Congressional Gold Medal, was gaining in popularity. Of late presidents and prime ministers of various states and governments were meeting His Holiness in public.

''It is a big victory not only for the Tibetan people, but for the Mongolians and Buddhists in Russia and Buddhists all over the world'', he added.

UNI