Bhutan Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025

From 4 to 17 November 2025, Bhutan will host one of the most spiritually significant events in its history—the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu. Organised under the Prime Minister’s Office, this grand festival arrives at a time when the world deeply craves unity, compassion, and hope. True to Bhutan’s essence as the Land of Gross National Happiness, this two-week celebration of mindfulness and peace will bring together thousands of monks, nuns, and practitioners from around the world.

A Festival of Rituals, Blessings, and Enlightenment

Bhutan Global Peace Prayer Festival Schedule

Jabzhi Dhoechog (4–7 November 2025)
The festival begins with the Jabzhi Dhoechog (བརྒྱ་བཞི་རྒྱསཔ) ceremony at Kuenselphodrang, led by the Central Monastic Body. This elaborate ritual of purification and protection is rarely performed on such a large scale and is dedicated to global healing, peace, and happiness.

Global Peace Prayer (8–10 November 2025)
Next, the heart of Thimphu will transform as devotees gather at Changlimithang Ground for a non-sectarian Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer (རིས་མེད་འཛམ་གླིང་ཞི་བདེའི་སྨོན་ལམ་ཆེན་མོ།). All schools of Vajrayana Buddhism will unite in a collective aspiration for world peace, with prayers offered in multiple languages and live translations in English, Tibetan, and Dzongkha.

Bazaguru Mantra Recitation (11 November 2025)
Participants will join in a mass recitation of the Bazaguru mantra, symbolising harmony across faiths and borders. The collective chanting will echo through Bhutan’s valleys, representing a shared wish for global compassion.

Kalachakra Empowerment (12–14 November 2025)
The highlight of the festival will be the Kalachakra Initiation and Empowerment, presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. This sacred teaching reveals the interconnection between the universe and human consciousness, guiding participants toward inner balance and enlightenment. Esteemed lamas from Bhutan and abroad will also conduct teachings and blessings throughout the three days.

Public Blessings (15 November 2025)
Eminent lamas will offer public blessings, inviting all attendees to receive spiritual empowerment and protection—an experience that embodies Bhutan’s generous and compassionate spirit.

Bhikkhuni Ordination for Nuns (15–19 November 2025)
In a landmark event, over 250 Buddhist nuns from around the world will receive the Gelongma (Bhikkhuni) Ordination at the Bhutan Nuns Foundation in Tshalumaphey, Thimphu. The ceremony, led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, marks an important step forward for women in Buddhism and highlights Bhutan’s role in promoting spiritual equality.

Cultural and Educational Highlights

Alongside the spiritual ceremonies, visitors can explore an exhibition of Kalachakra art and artefacts, attend scholarly seminars, and experience the deep philosophical teachings behind one of Vajrayana Buddhism’s most profound traditions. These activities bridge timeless wisdom with contemporary relevance, allowing visitors to appreciate Bhutan’s living Buddhist heritage.

A Global Invitation from the Land of Happiness

The Global Peace Prayer Festival extends an open invitation to spiritual leaders, scholars, and peace-seekers from around the world. The ceremonies will be live-streamed globally, allowing anyone—regardless of where they are—to participate in the prayers and blessings. With multilingual translations and inclusive rituals, this is a rare opportunity to experience Bhutan’s compassion in action.

How to Join the Global Peace Prayer Festival

For General Attendees

1. Travel to Bhutan
   As per Bhutan’s tourism policy, all international visitors must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Your chosen operator will assist with visa applications, Drukair flight arrangements, hotel bookings, guides, and logistics to make your pilgrimage seamless.
   
   As an official representative of Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, Druk Asia will be able to assist you with flight bookings should you book your tour with us.
   
   Drukair offers regular flights to Paro from Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and other major Asian cities.

2. Visa Process
   Visas are processed exclusively through registered tour operators. To secure your place, it’s best to confirm your arrangements early as accommodation during the festival season fills up quickly.

For Invited Representatives or Spiritual Institutions

1. Complete the Visa Application Form (or Entry Permit Form for visitors from India, Bangladesh, or Maldives).

2. Submit the completed form to globalpeaceprayerfest11@gmail.com.