Monlam Pavillion, Bodhgaya
21 January, 2019

Traditionally, the day of the Marme Monlam is a holiday for everyone, a short rest after seven days of intense practice from 6.00am in the morning until 5.00pm during the Monlam. This year, however, it was decided to hold a special Mahakala Puja, for the removal of all obstacles and the swift return of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to India.

As many of the monks will be leaving for their monasteries the day after Marme Monlam, Monday 21 January was considered the only possible time.

Those who were unable to join in the puja were requested to spend the time reciting three specific prayers: The Verses of the Eight auspicious Ones; The Seven Line Prayer to Guru Rinpoche; and the Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa.

Thousands of people were present to offer the puja and the prayers.