The dedication was part of an extraordinary initiative in Gelephu Mindfulness City, where Bhutan raised 108 Buddhist stupas on November 1.
According to the Indian government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), the project was conceived and led by the Bhutanese King. Each stupa, also known as a Jangchub Chorten, stands 15 metres tall, with the structures positioned 108 metres apart along an 11.7-kilometre stretch beside the Aie (Mau) River.
Rijiju congratulated Bhutan on completing the construction in just six hours, saying that more than 40,000 volunteers, monks and artisans participated in the initiative. Work reportedly began shortly after midnight.
The project aims to establish Gelephu Mindfulness City as an important centre of Vajrayana Buddhism while showcasing Bhutan’s religious heritage, cultural values and spiritual traditions.
What is Lhabab Duchen and why is it celebrated?
The ceremony coincided with Lhabab Duchen, one of the most important days in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the Buddha’s descent to Earth from the heavenly realm after teaching his mother, Maya Devi, who had been reborn there.
The occasion is considered highly auspicious by Buddhists, who believe that positive and negative actions carry multiplied karmic consequences on this day. Special prayers, religious offerings and acts of generosity are therefore performed.
The raising and consecration of the 108 stupas on this occasion added religious significance to the project. The traditional blowing of Dungchens also formed part of the ceremony, which brought together religious leaders, volunteers and political dignitaries.