The big day had arrived. Preparations for this final highlight of the month-long celebration of the first Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa’s 900th anniversary had been going on for many weeks. From the early morning onwards throngs of people had been gathering at the Mönlam site at the Mahabodhi temple.

The atmosphere was vibrant with expectation and filled with the chant of mantras and the song of the chipmunks.

At 7a.m. an amplified voice told everybody to get up and take up formation in two rows to welcome the representation of Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa.

After a little while the gathered crowd of more than ten thousand started to react, and slowly two rows began to form on either side of the path.

The queue of people became longer and longer, stretching far beyond the entrance and quite a way along the main street into Bodhgaya. Once everyone was in place, flowers were distributed to one and all. The waiting began.

Long before the procession came into sight it was already announced by drumbeats and the sound of cymbals, gyalings (Tibetan wind instruments used in rituals) and conches.

Then finally, the procession itself became visible, led by several umdzes (chant masters) playing cymbals, followed by a long row of monks in ceremonial garb, playing various musical instruments.

Not long afterwards the heart of the procession came into view: an intricately carved wooden box, open on the sides and carried by four monks on their shoulders like a litter, containing an exquisite statue of Düsum Khyenpa.

The atmposphere is vibrant with expectation

In front of this representation of the first Karmapa walked Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, Jamgön Kongtrül Rinpoche, Nendo Dorje Lopön Rinpoche and Lodrö Rabphel Rinpoche. A rain of flowers and offering scarves fell wherever the statue of Düsum Khyenpa passed. After a big khora (circumambulation) of the Stupa the procession was met at the entrance to Mahabodhi temple by the rest of Rinpoches and lamas, and after another small khora the statue was placed on the shrine.

Shamar Rinpoche with red hat

Shamar Rinpoche, wearing his red hat, lit a butter lamp on the shrine and offered a mandala to the first Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa. It was then that the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje arrived at the venue. He prostrated in front of the Bodhi Tree, lit a butterlamp and mounted his throne, equally wearing his black hat.

The gathered Rinpoches, lamas, monks and nuns then performed the puja of ka gyu chi yi la drub, which is a general practice of Guru Yoga (practice of the teacher), with tsok offering.

Both the Gyalwa Karmapa and Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche were present for this puja, and the consecrated food was then shared out among all the participants. The beggars, too, got their share.