The name Kagyu Mönlam was established in Tibet about 500 years ago when the 7th Karmapa Chödrag Gyatsho initiated an annual prayer festival to strengthen the feeble discipline of vows among the ordained Sanhga. Gyalwang Karmapa supervised these meetings and laid down the program personally. Kagyu Mönlam took place not only at the seat of the Karmapa, Tsurphu but moved from place to place in a big tent and hence was practiced at different times and different places.

Kagyu Mönlam Chenmo in India

In 1983, the previous Kalu Rinpoche revitalised Kagyu Mönlam and started to hold it in Bodhgaya, the holy place where Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment. The gathering  practiced 100.000 repetitions of Zangchö Mönlam and so Kagyu Mönlam was established in India. After Kalu Rinpoche’s passing Bokar Rinpoche continued with this tradition for many years.

Gyalwang Karmapa took the responsibility for this annual ceremony in 2004.  He edited a new selection of prayers and initiated their translation into many languages hence Kagyu Mönlam Chenmo became a central event in the Kagyu calendar with thousands of Kagyu monks and nuns and at least as many participating lay practitioners.