In a remarkable display of faith, devotion and collective participation, Bhutan today witnessed the simultaneous raising of 108 sacred Buddhist stupas, each standing 15 metres tall, in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The historic undertaking began at 3 AM local time, following traditional Buddhist prayers and religious rituals. The raising of the 108 structures was heralded by the sounding of 58 sets of traditional dungchen, or long Buddhist horns.
Envisioned by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the initiative brought together around 40,000 volunteers from across Bhutan. People from different walks of life travelled to Gelephu to participate in the historic undertaking, making it an unprecedented exercise in collective religious and community participation. Thousands more gathered to witness the occasion, turning the city into the centre of a major national spiritual celebration.
In an extraordinary display of coordination and voluntary service, volunteers worked simultaneously at 108 designated sites to raise all the structures in a single day. The effort reflects Bhutan’s long-standing tradition of Zhabto, or voluntary service for religious and community initiatives.
Each chorten stands 15 metres tall, with 108 metres between consecutive structures. Together, they form an approximately 12-kilometre spiritual corridor along the banks of the Mau Chhu river, making the project remarkable both in its religious significance and physical scale.
The number 108 holds deep significance in Buddhist traditions and is associated with spiritual purification and the path towards enlightenment. The chortens, also known as Stupas of Enlightenment, are being prepared according to traditional Buddhist practices, with sacred relics, scriptures, prayers and other consecrated offerings forming their spiritual contents.
The main ceremony is being held in the presence of the Bhutanese Royal Family, with His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the country’s highest spiritual authority, leading the religious observances. His Majesty the King is also addressing the gathering.
The historic occasion coincides with Lhabab Düchen, commemorating Lord Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realm, and the 18th Coronation Anniversary of the King.
The 4-day celebrations, from 1 to 4 November, include consecration prayers, religious offerings and circumambulation of the newly raised chortens.
The event also reflects the wider Buddhist connections across Asia, with sacred relics and contributions coming from countries including India and other Buddhist communities. India is represented at the occasion by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, highlighting the shared Buddhist heritage and longstanding spiritual and cultural ties between India and Bhutan.
The 108 Jangchub Chortens stand as a lasting expression of Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage and a collective aspiration for peace, compassion and the well-being of all sentient beings.
