With just over a month to go, preparations for the Global Peace Prayer Festival are in full swing at Kuenselphodrang and Changlimithang in Thimphu. So far, nearly 50 spiritual leaders from all schools of Vajrayana Buddhism have confirmed their participation. The list of leaders will be updated daily and is expected to grow. Scheduled from November 4 to 19, the festival will bring together practitioners, scholars, and peace seekers from around the world. The government will host the event, with the Central Monastic Body and the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies leading the preparations.
Preparations are well underway for the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual, happening from November 4 to 7.
This large-scale purification ceremony for global healing will be performed at Kuenselphodrang by the Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body.
From November 8 to 10, the Global Peace Prayer will take place at the Changlimithang Stadium, offering Vajrayana prayers for peace. The event will be graced by spiritual leaders from around the world, including His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Kilkhor or the festival mandala is progressing alongside the landscaping works for the festival.
On November 10, eminent Lams will confer public blessings, followed by a collective chanting of the Bazaguru mantra for universal peace on November 11.
From November 12 to 14, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will confer the Kalachakra Empowerment, a profound sacred initiation.
The festival will conclude with the Nuns’ Ordination from November 15 to 19 at Tshalumey in Thimphu, also led by His Holiness The Je Khenpo.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sonam Pem
