A sea of vibrant colours filled Changlimithang in Thimphu as thousands gathered for the inaugural ceremony of the Global Peace Prayer Festival today. Despite the cold November air, devotees from Bhutan and beyond have filled the venue since early morning, united in prayer for peace and harmony.
The Changlimithang has turned into a stunning canvas of red, the colour of devotion and compassion in Buddhism.
Even before dawn, people had already filled the venue, braving the cold to be part of the much-awaited Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025.
The gates opened earlier than scheduled, and within an hour, the entire ground was packed with more than 20,000 devotees, joined by 150 eminent spiritual masters and over 3,000 disciples from across the world.
Pema Ngedup who came from Chhukha said, “I came here from Chhukha at 3 AM, inspired by the fact that the Global Peace Prayer Festival is being held in Bhutan for the first time. With immense joy, I began my journey early in the morning.”
Tashi Yangzom who came from Bumthang said, “At my age, we never know how much time we have left. I felt I would regret it if I didn’t receive blessings from such a sacred ritual, so I came here. Even though I am not literate, just listening to the mantras brings me peace.”
The festival, aimed at promoting global peace and unity, has drawn people from every corner of Bhutan and beyond.
The robes and traditional attire blend into a single, moving prayer for harmony.
Chizhip Nado from Thimphu said, “I feel deeply satisfied. I don’t know about others, but I am truly happy to be here. I have decided to stay until the very end of the event.”
Among the crowd are international participants who have come to experience Bhutan’s spirit of compassion and spiritual depth.
Francois Weil Picard (PhD) from France said, “I have been in Bhutan since yesterday, and I am very happy to have come across this grand prayer festival for world peace. I am truly impressed by all the people from across the country who has gathered here to pray. I believe the world needs the power of prayers, especially for Bhutan.”
The global peace prayer ceremony will continue until the 10th of November.
It will be followed by the Kalachakra Empowerment, a sacred Buddhist ceremony symbolising time, compassion, and enlightenment, from 12th to the 14th of November.
Following that, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will preside over the Geylongma, or nuns’ ordination, an event that carries profound significance for Bhutanese Buddhism and women practitioners alike.
It will take place at Tshalumaphey from the 15th to the 19th of November.
From the heart of Thimphu, where thousands have gathered in devotion, this festival radiates a message far beyond borders, of peace, compassion, and unity.
Namgay Dema/Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Kipchu
