President Putin Congratulates Russia's Buddhists on New Year

Vladimir Putin congratulated Russia's Buddhist on the Lunar New Year, or Sagaalgan.

"Buddhists' most radiant expectations are connected with Sagaalgan, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. People hope that hardships and misfortunes will stay in the bygone year, and the new year will bring luck and happiness.

I am convinced that friendly relations between people of different nationalities and religions is an important condition of Russia's prosperity and well-being of its citizens. Let centuries-old traditions serve the consolidation of mutual understanding and preserve peace and concord in society," reads the presidential message of congratulation.