Bodh Gaya, India: The Kalachakra pilgrims facing the biggest problems are those living in tents, according to an advisor for the event's organizing committee.
Guru Rinpoche, the abbot Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh, said that the tens of thousands of pilgrims camping under canvass during the ten day teaching have inadequate electricity and toilet facilities, whilst recent heavy rain has meant that many people are getting wet, even inside their tents.
The campsites are also a very long trudge from the teachings.
He said: 'This time, the audience is so huge, and the support from local Indians during this critical time has been quite poor.
'Many electricians and plumbers haven't come on time, and of those who did, many went home early.'
At least 200,000 pilgrims are estimated to be attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 32nd Kalachakra initiation, including 20,000 monks and nuns, and over 8,000 Tibetans from Tibet, as well as devotees from 63 countries including China, Taiwan and India.
The organizing committee, including the event's sponsor, Arunachal Pradesh tourism minister, Pema Khandu, have met with the chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, several times to discuss the event's infrastructure.
'Some of the workers have not done as their higher leaders have told them to do, which is the cause of many of our problems,' said Guru Rinpoche.
'Another worry is food. We still have many days to go.
'But the organisers have done as much as they can properly do.'
Pema Khandu - son ofthe late Arunachal Pradesh chief minister, Dorjee Khandu, who requested that His Holiness perform the initiation before he was killed in a helicopter crash in April - also sent some officials from Arunachal Pradesh to help provide services.
Guru Rinpoche described the security of His Holiness, which is being overseen by the Central Tibetan Administration's Department of Security, as 'our biggest responsibility,' adding that it is the responsibility of all the pilgrims to help keep their spiritual leader safe.
He expressed his wish for pilgrims to not only enjoy being in the presence of His Holiness, but to receive and practice his teachings, adding: 'His Holiness says that to think that just being in his presence will bring you blessings, is a mistake.
'He has also sent a message to Tibetans inside Tibet who are not able to come here, that if they can pray that they are present, they will receive blessings.'
The teachings will culminate with a long life offering for His Holiness, to be attended by Nitish Kumar, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister, Nabam Tuki, and the Kalon Tripa, Lobsang Sangay, on Tuesday, January 10.
