Dalai Lama, US secretary of state greet people on Losar

The Dalai Lama and US Secretary of State John Kerry have extended greetings on Losar, the Tibetan New Year, a statement from the Tibetan government-in-exile said here on Wednesday.

"On behalf of President (Barack) Obama and the people of the United States, I offer our warmest wishes to all the peoples of the Himalayan region celebrating Losar for a joyful new year," a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) statement quoted Kerry as saying.

"The United States joins you in celebrating the history and vibrant culture of the peoples of the Himalayan region, including those in Bhutan, Nepal, India and Tibetan areas of the People's Republic of China," it added.

The fortnight-long Losar, beginning from February 8, is marked by prayers, ceremonies, rituals and folk dances and merrymaking.

The Dalai Lama, undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for a prostate problem, also greeted the people on Losar.

Assuring that he's in good health, the Buddhist monk said in a message: "I want to tell you that I am doing very well. The treatment only takes a few minutes every day, but it will take time to complete the treatment. It's nothing complicated, it's not serious, there's nothing to worry about."