Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in Thimphu on Wednesday and jointly inaugurated the Kalachakra Empowerment ceremony, marking a key moment in the deep spiritual and cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The Kalachakra, one of the most revered and intricate rituals in Tibetan Buddhism, is being observed as a three-day empowerment ceremony aimed at conferring blessings and authorisations for advanced meditative practices leading toward enlightenment.
The ceremony forms part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025, organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan from November 4 to 17. The event brings together spiritual leaders, monks, and peace advocates from around the world, promoting the message of global harmony and compassion.
Presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s senior religious hierarch, the Kalachakra Initiation offers teachings on the profound connection between individuals and the universe and the innate Buddha nature within all beings.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Had the honour of inaugurating Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo. It was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo which made it even more special. This is an important ritual with great cultural significance for Buddhists around the world. The Kālacakra Empowerment is a part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival which has brought together devotees and scholars of Buddhism to Bhutan.”
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also lauded the event, writing on X, “An accomplished spiritual master, Prime Minister @narendramodi inaugurated and blessed the sacred Kalachakra Empowerment which began today as part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival.”
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Prime Minister also held talks with the Fourth King of Bhutan. In a post on X, he wrote, “PM @narendramodi held talks with His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. PM thanked His Majesty for his wise counsel and guidance in further enhancing the special India-Bhutan friendship. He conveyed best wishes of the Government and people of India for His Majesty’s continued good health, well-being and a long life.”
