13 publishers · first seen Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00 UTC · updated Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00 UTC
On November 1, 2026, 108 stupas were erected in a single day in Gelephu, Bhutan, as part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, conceived by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The Jangchub Chortens, each about 50 feet tall and spaced 108 meters apart, were built by around 40,000 volunteers and mark a significant spiritual and economic initiative for Bhutan. The number 108 is sacred in Buddhism, widely practiced in Bhutan, where Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion. Stupa number 76 was dedicated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his contribution to India-Bhutan friendship, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju representing India at the ceremony.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City, located on Bhutan’s southern border with India, aims to combine economic growth with mindfulness and sustainability, addressing challenges like unemployment and youth migration. India reaffirmed its support for the project, including plans for cross-border rail links and an immigration check post at Hatisar in Assam.
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