DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
Thousands of devotees from across Bhutan have converged at Kuensel Phodrang in Thimphu to receive the month long Kathrid Empowerment and Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa being bestowed by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
The sacred religious event, which commenced on 15 June, which will continue for a month. The empowerment have attracted people from different parts of the country, many of whom consider the opportunity to receive the empowerment as a rare blessing that may come only once in their lifetime.
Long before sunrise each day, devotees have been making their way to the venue carrying prayer beads, offerings, and aspirations for spiritual growth. The gathering reflects the deep faith and devotion of Bhutanese people who have travelled long distances to take part in the sacred ceremony.
For many elderly devotees, attending the empowerment carries particular significance. They view it as an invaluable opportunity to receive blessings while they are still physically able to participate.
Tshering, a devotee attending the teachings, said that as people grow older, opportunities to receive such blessings become increasingly difficult. “As we age, we may not be able to receive such blessings as easily. We are grateful to all those who made this possible,” Tshering said.
Many devotees believe the empowerment will help them overcome challenges and guide them on their spiritual journey.
“We seek the Kathrid empowerment to clear obstacles in this life and guide our path beyond,” said Damchoe Dema, another devotee from Phuentsholing.
The empowerment has also drawn first-time participants who have long wished to attend the empowerment and receive the blessings associated with the sacred tradition.
Among them is Sonam Phuntsho from Chhukha, who travelled to Thimphu specifically to take part in the event. “I came from Chhukha to attend this empowerment. This is my first time. I hope to receive blessings to clear all the obstacles and negativity,” Sonam Phuntsho said.
Others admitted that while they may not fully understand every aspect of the teachings, they recognise the rarity and importance of the occasion.
“I am not fully aware of what Kathrid is, but I do know that we may not get another chance to attend such a ceremony,” said Sonam Dorji, another devotee attending the empowerment.
Beyond the personal aspirations of individual devotees, the Kathrid Empowerment and Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa are regarded as important religious traditions that have been preserved and passed down through generations of Bhutan’s spiritual leaders.
According to members of the monastic community, the empowerment has been bestowed by successive Je Khenpos for centuries, making it an important part of Bhutan’s religious heritage.
Khenpo Karma Dorji from Samdrup Jongkhar Rabdhey said preserving the tradition is essential to maintaining Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural identity.
“For centuries, successive Je Khenpo have been bestowing the empowerment. So, to preserve this sacred tradition and uphold our identity as Bhutanese, we must continue to seek these blessings,” he said.
The large turnout has prompted organisers to make extensive arrangements to accommodate devotees throughout the month-long programme. Authorities expect approximately 30,000 people to attend the teachings each day.
To ensure devotees can clearly follow the proceedings, organisers have installed 13 large LED screens across the venue. Additional facilities have also been put in place, including more than 100 temporary toilets, medical tents, and ambulances on standby to respond to emergencies.
The preparations are aimed at providing a safe and comfortable environment for the thousands expected to gather daily during the teachings.
According to the Central Monastic Body, the month-long programme will focus on key Buddhist teachings and principles. The teachings include reflections on impermanence, the law of karma, the importance of practising the Dharma, and other fundamental aspects of Buddhist philosophy.
For many devotees, the empowerment is more than a religious gathering. It is an opportunity to deepen their spiritual understanding, receive blessings, and reaffirm their connection to a tradition that has been preserved for generations.
As the teachings continue over the coming weeks, thousands are expected to travel to Kuensel Phodrang to participate in the sacred event, reflecting the enduring significance of Buddhist teachings and spiritual practice in Bhutanese society.
