In a solemn and symbolic ritual along the banks of the Wangchhu yesterday, the intricate Kalachakra Mandala was ceremonially dismantled and released into the river, bringing the Kalachakra Empowerment to a close. The ritual, known as Kyilkhor Dhuni and Chhu Shhani Leyrim, was presided over by Lopen Lhengay of the Zhung Dratshang.
The mandala—an elaborate spiritual representation painstakingly crafted over days by monks—embodied the divine realm of Kalachakra. Its creation demanded discipline, precision, and deep meditative focus. Yet its dismantling served as a poignant reminder of one of Buddhism’s most enduring teachings: that all things, no matter how sacred or beautiful, are impermanent.
As the coloured grains of sand were swept into the Wangchhu, they were believed to carry the mandala’s accumulated blessings into the wider world, purifying the surroundings and fostering peace and harmony. The act marked not just an ending, but also a symbolic dispersal of spiritual energy into nature and the community.
The ceremony capped a month marked by profound spiritual activity across the capital. November saw an unprecedented outpouring of devotion, beginning with the Global Peace Prayers and the nationwide celebration of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. At their height, the prayers drew more than one hundred thousand participants.
Crowds filled Changlimithang and flocked to Kuenselphodrang, where devotees received blessings during the Jabzhi Dhoechog. Adding to the historic significance of the month was the ordination of Buddhist nuns from around the world—an event that resonated deeply with followers and further enriched the spiritual atmosphere.
Together, these moments transformed Thimphu into a vibrant centre of global spiritual convergence, attracting visitors and practitioners seeking renewal, blessings, and inner peace. The collective prayers centred on aspirations for harmony, wellbeing, and happiness for all beings.
With the final grains of the mandala now carried away by the river’s flow, the Kalachakra cycle stands formally completed. Its blessings, practitioners believe, have now been fully shared—with participants, with the land, and with the world beyond.
