Bhutan has completed the coordinated raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City on November 1, bringing together around 40,000 volunteers and an estimated 200,000 visitors in one of the country’s largest public gatherings in recent years.
The royal initiative saw 108 Stupas of Enlightenment erected along an 11.7-kilometre stretch beside the Mau Chhu River in southern Bhutan. Each structure stands 15 metres high, with a distance of 108 metres between them. The event coincided with three significant occasions: the 18th anniversary of the coronation rites of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Buddhist festival of Lhabab Duechhen and the completion of Project 108.
The coordinated operation began at 3 am with the sounding of 58 sets of dungchen, traditional long ceremonial horns. Around 40,000 volunteers and trained workers took part, while monks and religious leaders conducted prayers and rituals along the river. By early afternoon, all 108 structures had been raised. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Queen Jetsun Pema, their children, former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and other members of the Royal Family attended the ceremony. Bhutan’s chief abbot, the Je Khenpo, led the religious observances alongside senior Buddhist teachers.
The project was announced by the King on February 21, 2026, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gelephu Chorten. Preparations continued for several months, including foundation work, construction training and the preparation of sacred objects to be placed inside the stupas. These objects underwent a 21-day consecration process before the structures were raised. A Jangchub Chorten, also known as a Stupa of Enlightenment, commemorates Lord Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in India. In Buddhist tradition, stupas are considered sacred monuments associated with prayers, meditation and the accumulation of spiritual merit. The number 108 also holds special significance in Buddhism.
The project forms part of the wider development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special administrative region in southern Bhutan. The initiative aims to promote economic growth through sectors such as technology, finance, education, healthcare and sustainable tourism while preserving Bhutanese cultural and spiritual values. International personalities and dignitaries also attended the event, including actor and martial artist Jet Li, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and India’s Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The religious programme continued beyond November 1, with consecration prayers, circumambulation of the stupas, Buddhist teachings and blessings scheduled over the following days. The raising of all 108 chortens in a single day marks a significant milestone for Project 108, bringing together Bhutan’s religious heritage, community participation and vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City.
