Sun Oct 26 06:12:56 UTC 2025: ## Thimphu to Host Global Peace Prayer Festival Amid Regional Instability
Thimphu, Bhutan – October 26, 2025 – The Kingdom of Bhutan is preparing to host the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF), a significant two-week spiritual gathering aimed at fostering world peace and healing. From November 4th to 19th, Thimphu will welcome eminent lamas and monks from across various Buddhist schools in Bhutan and internationally.
Organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the GPPF seeks to usher in an era of peace and prosperity at a time when the world is facing increasing conflict, polarization, and discord. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay emphasized the timely need for peace, compassion, and understanding, expressing his honor in hosting the festival.
The festival’s significance is heightened by the instability in Bhutan’s surrounding region, including ethnic clashes in Northeast India, civil war in Myanmar, and political unrest in Bangladesh and Nepal.
A key highlight will be the Gelongma ordination of over 250 Buddhist nuns from November 15th to 19th, presided over by the spiritual head of Bhutan’s largest Buddhist school. This event represents a major step toward gender equality within monasticism, as women in the Vajrayana tradition have historically been denied full ordination.
The GPPF will commence with the seven-day Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual, a rare and grand ceremony combining offerings and protective practices to purify negative karma. Other events include public blessings from prominent lamas, a mass recitation of the Bazaguru mantra, the Kalachakra initiation, and the launch of the Guru App, a digital resource for spiritual practice.
Sangay Dorji, a principal organizer and senior member of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body, stated that the festival aims to unite spiritual leaders and practitioners to harness the power of loving-kindness and compassion. The festival hopes to foster a peaceful and happier future.
First Piper 