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Bhutan Hosts Historic Global Peace Prayer Festival, Uniting Buddhist Traditions

Thimphu, Bhutan – November 23, 2025 – Bhutan, a nation known for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, recently concluded its inaugural Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF), a monumental 16-day event that drew over 50,000 Buddhist monks and spiritual leaders from 20 countries. Held from November 4th to 19th and coinciding with the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the festival aimed to promote global peace and the well-being of all.

A unique aspect of the GPPF was the unprecedented convergence of spiritual leaders from the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism. The event wasn’t limited to Buddhist traditions; Hindu priests from India and other nations participated in special prayer sessions.

The Centre for Bhutan & Gross National Happiness Studies and Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body spearheaded the festival with support from India. Organizers hope to expand the GPPF in future years, incorporating leaders from diverse faiths to create a truly global initiative for peace and happiness. They plan to hold it annually.

The festival took place in Thimphu, with the Changlimithang Stadium serving as the central hub. The event featured vibrant displays of Bhutanese culture, spiritual practices, and strong community spirit. The Central Monastic Body expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its assistance, including transporting Lord Buddha’s relics from the National Museum in New Delhi for public veneration during the festival.

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