Thimphu is abuzz with anticipation. In just a few days, the capital city will host one of Bhutan’s most-awaited spiritual events, the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025. Working around the clock, organisers, artisans, monks, and volunteers are laying the finishing touches for what promises to be a remarkable gathering of thousands of devotees and spiritual leaders from across the world.
At the heart of the festival ground in Changlimithang, the festival’s centrepiece, Kilkhor, or mandala, now stands complete.
On top of it is the towering Kalachakra statue, a symbol of sacred craftsmanship, weighing nearly 3800 kilograms. In what looks like a graceful yet divine symmetry are Chhoepi Lhamo Gye, or the eight offering goddesses surrounding the Kalachakra statue. Each statue of the goddess weighs about 70 kilograms.
“The wooden statues for the Kilkhor were sculpted here. With devotees seated in all directions, we have installed the main statue in such a way that it rotates, and everyone can witness it. Everything is ready now,” said Jigme Singye, a researcher with the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies.
Inside the mandala, painting and sacred sand mandala creation continue in intricate detail.
Similarly, it is a hive of activity outside – landscaping the vast ground. The works are now in their final stages.
“About 90 per cent of the preparations are complete. In the coming days, we will finish the remaining works of beautification, painting and waste collection. We are all set for the festival. The venue can accommodate around 30,000 people. We have also arranged the football stadium’s gallery if the turnout is more,” said Tashi Penjor, the Director of the Department of Human Settlement, MoIT.
Ugyen Tshering, a de-suup said, “Preparations have been going on for the past three months. Day by day, we are seeing results. I volunteered to work for the first Global Peace Prayer Festival and consider myself fortunate to have done so.”
Anticipating a huge turnout, special attention is being given to hygiene. Additional toilets are being set up to ensure comfort and cleanliness throughout the spiritual gathering.
Over in Kuensel Phodrang where Jabzhi Dhoechog will take place as part of the festival, preparations have taken a similar shape. Dhoe, the main structure of the ritual is complete and soaring as high as a 10-storey building dominates the hilltop. What remains is the installation of the hundred life-sized effigies surrounding the sacred monument.
Tshogki Drungchhen of the Central Monastic Body, Pema Gyeltshen said, “Some people may think that a lot remains to be done but that is not the case. The most important aspects of the ritual are the 100 Tsha Tsha, 100 ritual cakes, 100 butter lamps and 100 effigies. They are all ready to be placed around the main structure.”
Jabzhi Dhoechog will be conducted for a week, from 4th to 10th November. The Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body will preside over the ritual.
At the same time, Changlimithang will resonate with the chants of Moenlam Chenmo, dedicated to global peace.
The days ahead equally promise moments of deep devotion. His Holiness the Je Khenpo will confer the sacred Kalachakra empowerment from 12th to 14th November. The festival will culminate with a four-day nuns’ ordination at Tshalumey in Thimphu, also presided over by His Holiness.
For now, as final preparations take shape, Thimphu readies itself for days steeped in prayer and reflection, and what many describe as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual convergence of faith, devotion, and the shared aspiration for world peace.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
