Posted November 11th, 2007 by ANI

Dharamsala, Nov 11 : Several Russian and Mongolian Buddhists prayed 
for Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's long life on the 
concluding day of a Buddhist festival in Dharamsala.

Over 700 Russian and Mongolian Buddhists took part in the special 
festival being celebrated by them for the first time in India.

"It's always a blessing and honour to be part of any celebration 
especially this celebration, which is done for the first time in 
history ever and over 700 Russians and Mongolians came from all over 
the world," said Irana, a Russian Buddhist who came from America to 
take part in the ceremony.

Polina, another Russian Buddhist, offered her gratitude to India for 
keeping the Tibetan culture alive.

"Of course, we are very happy to be here and we are overfilled with 
positive emotions and we are expressing our gratitude for Indian 
people that you help our Holiness and Tibetan people have found 
comfort to live here and hold their activities," she said.

On Friday, the Dalai Lama gave his first religious discourse after 
being honoured with the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal.

The Dalai Lama, has been living in exile in the country since fleeing 
his predominantly Buddhist homeland in 1959. (ANI)