Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu: Union Minister attends; IBC holds Buddhist exhibitions
Union Social Justice Minister Dr Virendra Kumar attended the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 9 November 2025, where the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) held three Buddhist exhibitions alongside the exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha from India.
Summary
The 16-day Global Peace Prayer Festival began on 4 November 2025 and was inaugurated at Changlimithang Ground, Thimphu, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Trulku Jigme Choedra. A key event is the Jabzhi, a Vajrayana Buddhist ritual. The IBC's exhibitions at the Grand Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong, visited by the King and the minister, covered Guru Padmasambhava, the excavation of the Shakya Buddha relics, and the life and teachings of the Buddha.
Key facts
- Festival
- Global Peace Prayer Festival, Thimphu
- Duration
- 16 days, from 4 Nov 2025
- Inaugurated at
- Changlimithang Ground
- Key ritual
- Jabzhi (Vajrayana Buddhist)
- IBC exhibitions
- At Grand Kuenrey, Tashichhodzong
- India's representative
- Dr Virendra Kumar
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where in Thimphu was the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 ceremonially inaugurated by the King of Bhutan?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Changlimithang Ground
The GPPF was inaugurated at Changlimithang Ground, Thimphu, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Chief Abbot Trulku Jigme Choedra. The IBC exhibitions were at Tashichhodzong.
The 'Jabzhi', a key event of the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 in Bhutan, is a ritual of which tradition?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Vajrayana Buddhism
The Culture Ministry described Jabzhi as a profound Vajrayana Buddhist ritual believed to cleanse negative karma.