Amid the serene Himalayan backdrop, Thimphu’s historic Changlimithang ground became a tapestry of vivid red today as thousands of devotees gathered to mark the opening of the Global Peace Prayer Festival. The event—being held in Bhutan for the first time—has drawn crowds in staggering numbers, despite the biting November chill.
Before the sun had even risen, devotees from across Bhutan and abroad had begun to flock to the venue, eager to take part in what many consider a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual occasion. By dawn, over 20,000 people filled the grounds, joined by 150 eminent spiritual masters and more than 3,000 disciples hailing from various corners of the globe.
The atmosphere was one of palpable devotion. Traditional red robes and Bhutanese attire intermingled in a sea of collective prayer, symbolizing compassion—a core tenet of Buddhism. Many journeyed great distances to be present, driven by a shared yearning for global peace and unity.
“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,” said Pema Ngedup. “With immense joy, I began my journey early in the morning.”
For elder participants like 68-year-old Tashi Yangzom from Bumthang, the event carries profound personal resonance. “At my age, we never know how much time we have left,” she remarked. “Even though I am not literate, just listening to the mantras brings me peace.”
International attendees, too, found themselves moved by Bhutan’s spiritual heart. Francois Weil Picard, a PhD researcher from France, shared his thoughts: “I am truly impressed by the countless people who have gathered here to pray. I believe the world needs the power of prayers, especially from a country like Bhutan.”
The festival will continue until November 10, with uninterrupted prayers and meditation sessions aimed at fostering harmony in an increasingly divided world. The event will then culminate in the sacred Kalachakra Empowerment—one of Buddhism’s most revered ceremonies—held from November 12 to 14, symbolizing time, compassion, and enlightenment.
Following this, from November 15 to 19, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will preside over the Geylongma, or nuns’ ordination ceremony, at Tshalumaphey—an act that holds special significance for the empowerment of women within Bhutanese Buddhism.
As crimson clouds drifted past Changlimithang today, the message from the gathering was unmistakable: in a time of uncertainty, peace begins in the quiet moments of shared humanity. From the heart of Bhutan, the Global Peace Prayer Festival extends an invitation to the world—to pause, to reflect, and to unite in compassion.
