Thimphu’s bustling streets fell into quiet reverence today as 265 ordained nuns from Bhutan and 14 other countries, ordained by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, walked through the capital for an alms round. Devotees lined the streets with offerings, prayers, emotions and heartfelt contributions
For a moment, the rush of the capital city softened as 265 ordained nuns with robes flowing and bowls in hand moved through the streets, their chants echoing between buildings.
People lined up long before the procession arrived, some clutching juice bottles, others wiping tears they didn’t expect to shed.
Leading the procession were two nuns holding long wooden sticks, a symbolic gesture replicating how nuns and monks traditionally went on alms rounds in ancient times.
“Today, shop owners and many people offered us so many things. Going for alms round has been a tradition since the time of Lord Buddha. Those who had taken the Gelongmi Dompa vows had to go for alms round and live solely on what they received,” said Lopenma Tshering Zangmo, Bhutan Nuns Foundation.
As the nuns entered the town area, chanting prayers, the crowd grew thicker. Children, youth, office-goers, and elderly citizens queued along the roadside with offerings of water, juice, candies, fruits, and small packets of cash.
“I feel very happy today because I heard that in the ancient days, when Lord Buddha used to go for alms round, he used to carry a stick and make a sound, and people would hear the sound and offer food in a bowl. Seeing the nuns perform this old practice today made me feel very happy and blessed,” said Dophu, Resident, Khasadrapchu, Thimphu.
“Yesterday, when I heard the news about the alms round taking place today, I got really excited. I don’t have much to offer like others, but as the saying goes, a drop of water can become an ocean. So, I came here to offer my little contribution,” said Tshering Lham, Resident, Taba, Thimphu.
For the nuns joining from abroad, the experience was profound.
“I feel this is a really positive step for women, and I think that when you elevate women, the whole society benefits. I could see people in the crowd crying out of pure joy, happy to rejoice in the merit of others. Pursuing the path to enlightenment is such a great privilege, and it’s just so beautiful to be here in Bhutan,” said Ayya Yeshe, a Nun from Australia.
By noon, the nuns reached the town centre, where they concluded the round and had their lunch. The Prime Minister and several ministers also made offerings at the site.
As the crowd slowly dispersed, the atmosphere remained charged with devotion and a sense of shared blessing, an ancient Buddhist tradition revived once again in the heart of Bhutan’s modern capital.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Sonam Pem
