Thimphu is preparing to welcome thousands of devotees, monks, and spiritual leaders from around the world as the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 approaches. The capital is alive with anticipation as organizers, artisans, and volunteers put the final touches on what is expected to be one of Bhutan’s most significant spiritual gatherings.
At the festival’s heart in Changlimithang, the centrepiece—known as the Kilkhor or mandala—has been completed. Rising above it is the magnificent Kalachakra statue, a feat of craftsmanship weighing nearly 3,800 kilograms. Surrounding it are eight graceful offering goddesses, each weighing about 70 kilograms, forming a divine circle of symmetry.
“The wooden statues for the Kilkhor were sculpted here. The main statue has been installed to rotate so that devotees seated in all directions can view it. Everything is ready now,” shared Jigme Singye, a researcher with the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies.
Within the mandala, intricate work continues as artisans delicately paint and complete the sacred sand mandala. Outside, the festival grounds are a hive of activity with landscaping, decoration, and final beautification efforts underway.
“About 90 percent of the preparations are complete. The remaining works involve painting, waste collection, and beautification. The venue can hold up to 30,000 people, and we’ve arranged the stadium gallery in case more arrive,” said Tashi Penjor, Director of the Department of Human Settlement under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
For many volunteers, the event is a labour of love. Ugyen Tshering, a de-suup, said, “Preparations have been going on for the past three months. I feel fortunate to have contributed to the first Global Peace Prayer Festival.”
Anticipating large crowds, organizers have emphasized cleanliness and comfort by installing additional toilets and sanitation facilities.
Meanwhile, at Kuensel Phodrang, preparations for the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual mirror the bustle at Changlimithang. The main structure, or Dhoe, now complete and towering as high as a ten-storey building, dominates the hilltop. The final stage involves installing 100 life-sized effigies around the sacred monument.
Tshogki Drungchhen Pema Gyeltshen of the Central Monastic Body explained, “The essential elements of the ritual—the 100 Tsha Tsha, 100 ritual cakes, 100 butter lamps, and 100 effigies—are all ready to be placed.”
The week-long Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual will run from November 4 to 10, presided over by the Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body. Simultaneously, the Changlimithang ground will resonate with the chanting of Moenlam Chenmo, prayers dedicated to world peace.
Adding to the spiritual depth of the festival, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will confer the sacred Kalachakra empowerment from November 12 to 14. The festival will then culminate with a four-day nuns’ ordination at Tshalumey, also presided over by His Holiness.
As the final touches fall into place, Thimphu readies itself not merely for an event, but for a profound experience of unity, reflection, and spiritual devotion—what many are already calling a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of peace and faith.
