Gelephu Mindfulness City Celebrates the Consecration of 108 Stupas

A Historic Ceremony in Bhutan

Gelephu, Nov 2: On Sunday, approximately 200,000 individuals from various parts of the globe gathered in Gelephu, Bhutan, to witness the remarkable event of volunteers erecting and consecrating 108 stupas in a single day. This event marks a pivotal moment in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.

The stupas, which symbolize the enlightenment of Buddha, are a crucial element of an ambitious initiative led by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This project aims to harmonize economic advancement with ecological sustainability and the well-being of citizens.

India’s Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, represented India at the consecration ceremony and was warmly welcomed by the Bhutanese King.

During the ceremony, King Wangchuck, along with Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Rijiju, offered prayers at Stupa No. 76, which was dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in appreciation of his support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative.

Rijiju expressed that this dedication is a significant honor for India, acknowledging Modi’s vision and dedication to enhancing the friendship between the two nations.

Stupa No. 76 was dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

“It’s a tremendous honor for India that the sacred Stupa 76 is dedicated to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji for his remarkable vision and commitment to the friendship between India and Bhutan. On the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen, I participated in the sacred ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, marking the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, accompanied by the sound of Dungchens,” Rijiju shared on social media.

The Gelephu Mindfulness City, conceived by the Bhutanese King and designed by Danish architects, is envisioned as an economic center that prioritizes environmental sustainability and the welfare of its citizens over mere commercial profit.

Located in southern Bhutan, Gelephu is a small town with a population of around 10,000, situated about 240 km south of Thimphu along the Indian border.

During his visit, Rijiju also had a meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

The two leaders reaffirmed the strong friendship between India and Bhutan and acknowledged the positive developments in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including development, trade, energy, investment, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.

“I was pleased to meet H.E. Dasho @tsheringtobgay, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan in Gelephu today. We had a warm and constructive discussion regarding the India-Bhutan partnership and the vast potential of the Gelephu Mindfulness City for both nations. India remains a committed partner in Bhutan’s journey towards growth and prosperity,” Rijiju stated in another social media update.

The project is anticipated to generate economic opportunities in the neighboring Assam region, particularly in the Chirang and Kokrajhar districts, through enhanced cross-border movement, tourism, and investment.

Prior to the ceremony, welcome gates were inaugurated at Samthaibari along National Highway 127C and at Dadgiri, near the international border in Chirang district.

An immigration office and exhibition stalls were also established to accommodate the expected influx of visitors to Gelephu.

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary expressed optimism that the project would draw investors to the adjacent areas of Assam, especially Chirang and Kokrajhar.

“As Bhutan transitions into a Mindfulness City, we aim to develop the nearby regions in Chirang and Kokrajhar, as many promising investors have shown interest in Assam,” Mohilary stated.

He also expressed hope that an increase in tourist activity would enhance the local economy and create opportunities for regional development.