Kalachakra

Kalachakra- Buddhist event to happen in December:
After the recently held 31st Kalachakra in Washington. DC, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will confer the 32nd Kalachakra initiation, in Bodh Gaya, Bihar; from December 31, 2011 to January10, 2012. Bodh Gaya is made holy, because Buddha obtained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree here, and many pilgrims paid their visit each year. No other Dalai Lamas has given so many Kalachakra initiations; as the current one. He sees kalachakra empowerment as an event for diverse and large group of people to come together in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Kalachakra is one of the holiest and most meaningful ritual for any devoted Buddhist . It's profoundness and depth sprang from the relevant and time tested- Buddha's message of peace for the world and concern for individual well-being and physical balance. It is the largest Buddhist event open to the public and given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thousands of devotees from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and other parts of the world came together to get enlightened.
Kalachakra, before it was made available to the public by King Suchandra of the kingdom of Shambhala, was only practiced by the monks in their efforts to attain Buddhahood. He requested the Buddha to teach him in the same manner as the monks, without renouncing his worldly accumulation and engagement. Buddha initiated the first kalachakra in Dhanyakataka, (in present Andhra Pradesh) in the presence of King Suchandra and ninety-six minor kings and some emissaries. From then on the event got widened inexplicably to large audience, all over the world.
The word kalachakra in Sanskrit means “time-wheels” or “time cycles”. It refers to the presentation of cycles of time which are unique to the kalachakra tantra. Understanding this time factor is used as the basis to achieve individual liberation from suffering in this world and finally enlightenment.
The eleven day event will begin with three days chanting and praying to consecrate the site, which also involves the making of sand mandala; dedicated to world peace and physical balance. The next three days from January 3 to January 5 will see His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaching extensively on all topics including the broad idea of love and compassion and more specifically on meditation (Gorim barpa), practices of a boddhisattva and kindness(Lakem Sodunma), training the mind from eight verses (Lojong Tsik Gyema) & praising the divine creation(Jigten Ley Deypar Toepa). Like typical kalachakra, the monks of Namgyal Monastery will perform the ritual dance on January 6. January 7 to 9 January will be an important day, when The Dalai Lama will confer the kalachakra initiation. Devotees will make decision on their own but it's the hardest of all the process. Pledging to live under the vows and to stay committed to the teachings, as Dalai Lama had said, is a big step forward. But only few people will be prepared enough to live under that vows.
Acts of faith, like ribbon tied on their forehead and sipping water from the same pot are more symbolic and do not account for the true measurement of faith.
The event will end on January 10, with prayers for the long life and well-being of the Dalai Lama and a commitment from the participants to become better human beings and to preserve life long empowerment (Tsewang) of the enlightened. There's no way to know whether a person had vowed anything, until he gets back to his own small world and start living his everyday life. Equipped with the message of peace and harmony and being liberated, they'll be like soldiers ready to be sent into war in carnal world.
Where to Stay: Bodh Gaya has both Economy hotels and Budget hotels. Some Economy Hotels are Siddhartha International, Hotel Sujata, Lotus Nikko Hotel, The Royal Residency etc. Hotel Niranjana, Hotel Shashi International, Hotel Tathagat International, Hotel Uruvela International, Hotel Delta International, Hotel embassy etc. are some Budget hotel to stay in Bodh Gaya.
How to go there: Bodh Gaya can be reached by flight, train and bus. The nearest Airport is 14 Km from the city. Kolkata, which is about 485 km from Bodh Gaya, connects with all the big national and international cities. Train service is available to various cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Bus connects Bodh Gaya to Nalanda, Varanasi, Rajgir and Patna.
Indian holiday provides online information on the Tourist Attractions in Bodhgaya, Bihar and offers online booking for a tour to Bihar.