Bhutan to Host the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025

Bhutan will once again open its doors to the world for an extraordinary spiritual event—the Global Peace Prayer Festival, taking place in Thimphu from 4 to 17 November 2025. Organised under the Prime Minister’s Office, this festival comes at a time when the world yearns for unity and compassion, and Bhutan, known for its deep-rooted spiritual heritage, will become the heart of this global aspiration for peace.

A Sacred Journey of Rituals and Reflection

Jabzhi Dhoechog (4–7 November 2025)

The festival begins with the Jabzhi Dhoechog (བརྒྱ་བཞི་རྒྱསཔ) ritual conducted by the Central Monastic Body at Kuenselphodrang. This profound ceremony, rarely performed on such a grand scale, blends peaceful offerings with protective rituals to cleanse, heal, and purify the body, speech, and mind of negative karma.

Global Peace Prayer (8–10 November 2025)

Over the next two days, the Changlimithang ground will resonate with the non-sectarian Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer (རིས་མེད་འཛམ་གླིང་ཞི་བདེའི་སྨོན་ལམ་ཆེན་མོ།). All Vajrayana traditions will come together, joined by practitioners from other Buddhist paths. Prayers will be offered in multiple languages, with English, Tibetan, and Dzongkha translations provided to ensure full participation.

Bazaguru Recitation (11 November 2025)

A mass recitation of the Bazaguru mantra will unite devotees in a shared aspiration for peace, compassion, and universal well-being—a symbolic reminder that global harmony begins with inner tranquillity.

Kalachakra Initiation & Empowerment (12–14 November 2025)

Presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Kalachakra empowerment will delve into the sacred connection between the individual and the universe. Participants will explore the concept of the microcosm and macrocosm, discovering the innate bliss and Buddha nature within all beings. The full schedule, featuring lamas and teachers from Bhutan and abroad, will be released closer to the event.

Public Blessings (15 November 2025)

Eminent lamas will offer public blessings on this day—an opportunity for devotees to receive spiritual empowerment and inspiration.

Nuns’ Ordination (15–19 November 2025)

A milestone in Buddhist history, the Bhikkhuni (Gelongma) Ordination will see over 250 nuns from around the world formally ordained at the Bhutan Nuns Foundation in Tshalumaphey, Thimphu. His Holiness the Je Khenpo will confer the ordination, marking only the second time such a ceremony has been held in Bhutan.

Beyond the Prayers: Cultural and Scholarly Events

In addition to the spiritual ceremonies, festival-goers can immerse themselves in an exhibition of Kalachakra art and artefacts, offering visual insight into ancient symbolism and wisdom. Scholarly seminars on Kalachakra philosophy will also take place, bridging traditional knowledge with modern understanding.

A Global Gathering with Local Roots

The organisers have extended invitations to spiritual leaders, scholars, practitioners, and seekers from all corners of the world. The event will also be live-streamed globally, ensuring that Bhutan’s message of compassion and unity reaches far beyond its mountain borders. Prayers and teachings will be accessible through multilingual translations, allowing all attendees to connect deeply with the experience.

How to Participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival

For General Attendees

1. Travel Arrangements:
   Under Bhutan’s tourism regulations, all international visitors must travel with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who will assist with visa applications, flight bookings, ground transport, guides, accommodations, and logistics.
   Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines offers convenient flights to Paro from key Asian cities including Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, and Kathmandu.

2. Visa and Entry Requirements:
   All festival-related visas are handled through registered tour operators. To ensure timely approval and smooth entry, it’s best to contact your chosen tour operator as early as possible.

For Invited Guests and Spiritual Representatives

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

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

Visit Drukair Website to book your flight and start planning your journey to Bhutan’s most profound event of 2025.

For group travel or to charter a private flight for your delegation, get in touch with Druk Asia, Drukair's official representative in Singapore.