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12 November, 2014, Bodhgaya
This afternoon, the Gyalwang Karmapa inaugurated the pitching of the tents for this year’s garchen – an encampment which continues the tradition established by earlier Karmapas in Tibet. The tents are located in the fields behind the Kagyu Monlam Pavilion, and have their own shower block and toilets. Later, more tents will be erected in a separate area for the nuns who will join the monks for the Kagyu Monlam Prayer Festival and stay on for their own winter debate session in January 2015.
The Karmapa personally took charge of the proceedings, working enthusiastically alongside the small group of monks who have come to Bodhgaya early specially in order to pitch the tents.
After six tents had been pitched, it was time for a short rest and a tea break, with cake and tea served at the work site. Then it was back to work until, as the light began to fade, the Karmapa called it a day, and returned to Tergar Monastery.
In a separate field, the kitchen tent is being erected. This huge bamboo structure, covered by blue tarpaulins, is where the meals for thousands of monks and nuns will be cooked during the Kagyu Monlam.
http://kagyumonlam.org/English/News/Report/Report_20141112.html