The holy site of the Mahabodhi Temple was at its most splendid on the morning of the opening day of this year’s Kagyu Monlam. Thangkas depicting the masters of the Kagyu lineage had been put up on the Monlam shrine, and in front of them countless flower garlands, bouquets of flowers and butter lamps had been arranged, and a vast number of elaborately manufactured offering tormas set out. Every surface was covered with flowers laid out in intricate patterns, and a mood of joyful anticipation was in the air.

The celebrations of the 30th anniversary of His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche’s monastery in Bodh Gaya, Karma Dhargye Chokhor Ling, started on December 24, 2010, with an extensive version of the ritual of Mahakala. The puja started as early as 3am in the morning, and continued for the whole day, until 8pm in the evening.