In a remarkable display of faith and unity, more than 85,000 devotees gathered at Changlimithang Stadium and Centenary Park on November 8th for the Global Peace Prayer Festival, an unprecedented spiritual event that drew people from all walks of life and across Buddhist traditions.
Pilgrims began arriving as early as midnight, filling the grounds well before dawn. The festival, hailed as the largest non-sectarian Vajrayana Buddhist prayer gathering, brought together representatives from multiple Buddhist schools in a shared aspiration for global harmony and compassion.
The solemn prayers were led by revered masters of the Nyingma Choedey of Bhutan, with chants resonating through the crisp morning air. The event was graced by the presence of His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and other members of the Royal Family, whose participation underscored the importance of collective spiritual devotion in fostering peace.
For many in attendance, the festival was not merely a religious gathering but a deeply moving call for unity in uncertain times. “It was an experience of boundless peace and oneness,” said one participant, describing the atmosphere as both sacred and inclusive.
The Global Peace Prayer concluded on November 9th, marking a milestone in Bhutan’s ongoing efforts to promote global understanding through spiritual practice. The event will be followed by the Kalachakra Empowerment from November 12th to 14th, further deepening the country’s dedication to compassion and world peace.
