Bhutan Plans Historic Bhikshuni Ordination as Global Peace Prayer Festival Begins
The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival, a 16-day gathering running from 4–19 November* will include rare rituals, global peace prayers, and the historic ordination of 250 nuns, marking only the second time that full bhikshuni ordination has been conducted in Bhutan.
The Global Peace Prayer Festival will bring together senior monastic figures from across the Buddhist world, including His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s chief abbot and spiritual leader; the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa; the Ninth Gyalwang Drukpa; and Dorji Lopen Kinley of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body. According to the organizers, the festival aims to offer blessings for planetary peace and harmony through a combination of ancient ritual practice and modern global outreach.
The festival coincides with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan’s 70th birthday. Prime minister Tshering Tobgay told reporters: “Inspiration behind this festival is really a royal vision. His Majesty the King commanded that we conduct a Global Peace Prayer Festival based on our spiritual heritage, which is rooted in the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism and His Majesty the King commanded this particular time because the world needs peace. . .” (ANI)
… From 15–19 November, more than 250 nuns from Bhutan and neighboring countries will receive full bhikshuni ordination at the Bhutan Nuns Foundation. This marks a significant moment for women in Buddhism, building on Bhutan’s first full ordination for Buddhist nuns held in 2022. The event underscores growing regional support for gender equality in monastic life and reflects Bhutan’s commitment to Buddhist renewal grounded in compassion and inclusivity.
