After the extensive celebrations on December 30 things were quieter in Bodhgaya on the next day. The Kagyu Mönlam went on at the Mahabodhi Stupa as usual, and whenever the Gyalwa Karmapa did not join in the recitations he received an endless stream of devotees who came to receive his blessing and guidance.

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.