Buddhists gather in Bodh Gaya for Kagyu Monlam Chenmo Festival
By ANISunday, December 12, 2010
BODH GAYA - Buddhist devotees have gathered at the ancient Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar’s Gaya District to celebrate the annual festival of Kagyu Monlam Chenmo that marked the 900th birth anniversary of the first Karmapa D�sum Khyenpa.
Around 6000 devotees from around the world will part in the preparations.
Chen Pi Chun, an assistant leader of the working committee, said the annual festival is celebrated for the eight days, and this year, it will start from December 15 and last till December 22.
Prior to the festival, Buddhist leaders engage in three-days of teaching to educate people about religion and the importance of humanity.
“These teachings we have provided in many different languages simultaneously translation including Hindi. So, local people from India are able to listen to the teachings also,” said Chun.
On the last day of festival, a Kangyur procession will be organised, where devotees carrying Kangyur teachings move around the Mahabodhi Stupa.
Monks will lead the procession, wearing yellow ceremonial Tsesham (hats) and carrying incense. Some monks play the Gyaling to herald the auspicious event. By Surya Pratap Singh (ANI)
