By Kostas Onisenko
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his wishes to the Russian Buddhists a few days ago on the celebration of the Buddhist New Year (Sagaalgan).
In particular, the official announcement of the Russian president, published on the Kremlin website, is as follows:
I congratulate you on the coming of the new year based on the lunar calendar and the beginning of the white month.
This wonderful holiday, which has been widely and solemnly celebrated for centuries by representatives of various nationalities of our country, stands for the awakening of nature, fills the hearts of people with joy and hope, and becomes a source of inspiration for good deeds.
It is important that the Buddhist community should reverently preserve and pass ancient religious, spiritual customs of (their) ancestors on the next generation, the unique foundations and customs, with their authentic, comprehensive, enlightening initiatives that enrich the cultural, social life of multinational homeland.
On this festive day, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity.
The Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, also sent his wishes for the same holiday.
