A Nation Prays – For Global Peace and The Great Fourth

From elderly pilgrims to young students, people from every corner of Bhutan is at Changlimithang Ground in Thimphu for the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF). For many, this gathering is more than a historic national event envisioned by His Majesty the King; it is a deeply personal moment of faith, healing, and shared devotion, under a single sky of hope and collective prayer. Additionally, it is the platform and moment to honour the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and pay their respects.
For 72-year-old Nima Dema from Surey, Jigmecholing Gewog, Gelephu, attending the festival was a matter of heart and spirit. She had traveled to Thimphu for a scheduled medical operation but chose to postpone it to join the prayers. “It is a national kurim. Even if my prayers are not strong, the presence of Their Majesties and the Je Khenpo is a blessing. The prayers led by His Majesty will benefit all of us equally,” she said, adding that at the core of her prayers, “Drenchen Phama” the Fourth King.
Wangchuk Tshering, 74, from Paro, now renting a small home in Thimphu, reflected on the overwhelming unity of the festival: “I have never seen so many people come together in such peace. It feels as if the whole country is breathing as one. The energy here is unique, so calm, and so pure. It feels as though the prayers of an entire nation are rising together.” Wangchuk added that the sight of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo “answered his prayers.” “We hardly see the Fourth King and getting the opportunity to pay our respects to His Majesty is an opportunity.”
For others, the journey to Thimphu was both a pilgrimage and an expression of devotion. Leki Wangmo, 80, from Wangkha, Chukha, though unable to enter the ground, expressed joy from Centenary Park: “It is a true privilege to witness the great Rinpoche giving blessings. I feel fortunate to experience this before my death. The support for the elderly is admirable, and the meals provided are excellent.”
Visitors like Pelden, 59, from Kana, Dagana, praised the festival’s organization: “From the moment we entered the ground, the feeling was peaceful and comforting. Despite the crowd, volunteers work tirelessly to ensure everyone is cared for. Every meal is accompanied by a prayer of gratitude to His Majesty and the Je Khenpo for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” She added that honouring the Fourth King through such an event is a unique moment. “And we also get the opportunity to honour and pray for the Fourth King,” she said.
Rinchen Tshewang from Sakteng highlighted the festival’s global significance: “His Majesty has brought people together from across the world, including Arunachal Pradesh. Despite heavy rains beforehand, the skies cleared in time, and everyone arrived safely. I hope these prayers bring peace and prosperity to all sentient beings.” Rinchen noted that the most sublime of his prayers went towards honouring the Fourth King.
Ugyen Tshomo from Punakha reflected on the inclusivity of the prayers: “Usually, prayers are confined to temples, but here everyone participates — students, farmers, monks, and foreigners alike. It shows how faith truly unites us all.”
Sonam Choden emphasized the enduring memory of collective prayer: “Seeing Their Majesties and thousands of people praying together will stay with me forever. When the nation prays as one, spiritual power is immense. Bhutan’s strength lies in our collective faith and harmony. I am also privileged to be able to pray for the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.”
The GPPF brought together more than 150 Buddhist masters and over 3,000 disciples from 45 countries, along with Bhutanese devotees from all 20 dzongkhags. The festival created a rare sense of unity, where people from all walks of life, bound by faith, gathered in collective devotion.
The opening ceremony was graced by His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, and members of the Royal Family, with His Holiness the Je Khenpo presiding over the inaugural prayers. Simultaneous prayers at Kuenselphodrang included the sacred Jabshi Gyap rituals for peace and well-being.
The festival will continue with a public blessing day on November 10, followed by the celebration of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King on November 11. There will then be the three-day empowerment and Kalachakra initiation (November 12–14) at Changlimithang, presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo. The Nuns’ ordination will take place from November 15–19 at Tshalumaphey, Thimphu

Nidup Lhamo
From Thimphu