Language Settings
Select Website Language

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Bhutan Dedicates Stupa 76 to PM Modi as 108 Chortens Rise in Gelephu

1 hour ago

7

0

Bhutan Dedicates 76th Buddhist Stupa to PM Modi; 108 Chortens Raised in Gelephu

Gelephu, Bhutan | November 3, 2026

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has dedicated the 76th Buddhist stupa in a newly completed group of 108 Jangchub Chortens to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising his support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and the close relationship between India and Bhutan.

The dedication took place on November 1 during a ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, led by the Bhutanese King. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented the Government of India and joined the King and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in prayers at Stupa No. 76.

108 stupas raised in a single day

The project saw 108 Buddhist stupas, also known as Jangchub Chortens, erected in a single day. According to the Indian government’s Press Information Bureau, each structure is 15 metres tall and stands 108 metres from the next along an 11.7-kilometre stretch beside the Aie (Mau) River.

Rijiju said more than 40,000 volunteers, monks and artisans took part in the work, which began after midnight and was completed in six hours. The project was conceived and led by the King of Bhutan. 

The chortens are part of the spiritual foundations of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a planned development intended to reflect Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual traditions while supporting its future growth. The project is also intended to highlight the country’s Vajrayana Buddhist heritage.

Stupa dedicated to Modi

The King dedicated Stupa No. 76 to Modi in recognition of his support for Gelephu Mindfulness City and India’s commitment to the partnership between the two countries.

Rijiju conveyed Modi’s gratitude to the Bhutanese King for the dedication. He described the gesture as a meaningful expression of the spiritual and cultural ties shared by India and Bhutan. 

The ceremony took place on Lhabab Duchen, an important Buddhist observance. It included prayers and the traditional sounding of dungchen, long ceremonial horns. 

India reaffirms support for Gelephu Mindfulness City

During his visit to Bhutan from October 31 to November 2, Rijiju also met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The Indian government said the meetings reviewed cooperation in areas including development, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and cultural exchanges.

Rijiju reaffirmed India’s support for Gelephu Mindfulness City and its potential to contribute to development in neighbouring areas of India as well as Bhutan.

The dedication of Stupa No. 76 adds a religious and cultural dimension to the longstanding relationship between the neighbouring countries. The wider project brings together volunteers and communities in a shared effort rooted in Bhutan’s Buddhist traditions.

By News National Editorial Team

Sources: Press Information Bureau, Government of India; Akashvani News; India Today. 

Click here to Read More
Previous Article
Editorial: Let Diplomacy Prevail as U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise
Next Article
Nobel Laureate Omar Yaghi’s MOF Technology Seeks to Harvest Water from Dry Air

Related World Updates:

Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

Comments (0)

    Leave a comment