Kagyu Monlam 2025: Photos

December 20, 2025

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, was offered a warm welcome at Gaya airport by members of the Kagyu Monlam Organising Committee and a gathering of both monastic and lay practitioners.

Outside Karma Temple, long lines of lamas, monks, nuns, and lay devotees had formed on both sides of the road, to give Karmapa a solemn reception there.

On the morning of the next day, Karmapa offered a ceremonial lamp in front of the Buddha statue at Mahabodhi Temple, and then took his throne under the shade of the Bodhi Tree to lead the aspiration prayers recited during the Kagyu Monlam, including the “King of Aspiration Prayers”, also known as “Samantabhadra’s Wishing Prayer”.

Large numbers of Rinpoches, lamas, monks, nuns, and lay practitioners have once again assembled in Bodh Gaya this year to participate in this most significant event for Karma Kagyu practitioners around the world.

Every day, during and between the sessions, groups of monastic and lay practitioners from all corners of the globe come to pay their respects to Karmapa, and receive his blessing and advice.

All sessions of the Monlam are live streamed here.

Please enjoy a selection of pictures from the first few days of this year’s Kagyu Monlam.