Source: The Buddhist Channel

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=3,3315,0,0,1,0

Gaden Shedrup Choekhorling, the main Buddhist temple in Elista, Kalmykia, turned 10 on 6 October 2006 and the day was declared as a national holiday by the President of Kalmykia.

The main Buddhist temple was opened on 5 October 1996 and consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 30 November 2004.

Mr. Tashi, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, took part in the celebration.

Hundreds of people gathered during the celebration at the temple, including President Kirsan Ilumjhinov, Kalmyk Prime Minister, governmental officials and representatives from Russian Orthodox Church and Islam. The celebration started with prayers recited by Buddhist monks from Gyume Gomang monastery and local Kalmyk monks.

Representative Tashi read the greeting message sent by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on the occasion.