What Led to Bhutan's Remarkable Dedication of 108 Buddhist Stupas to PM Modi?

In a remarkable gesture, Bhutan dedicated 108 Buddhist stupas to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing his vision for India-Bhutan relations. This historic event, attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, saw the participation of over 40,000 volunteers and artisans. The dedication ceremony, held in Gelephu Mindfulness City, was marked by spiritual significance and showcased the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Rijiju expressed gratitude to the King of Bhutan for this honor, emphasizing the importance of such gestures in strengthening bilateral ties. Read on to learn more about this significant occasion and its implications for India-Bhutan relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 13:54 IST

A Historic Dedication in Bhutan

New Delhi: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk of Bhutan has honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi by dedicating a Buddhist stupa to him, recognizing his exceptional vision and dedication to fostering India-Bhutan relations, as stated by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.

In a post shared on X, Rijiju highlighted that Bhutan achieved a remarkable feat by erecting 108 Buddhist stupas in a mere six hours on November 1, with the enthusiastic involvement of over 40,000 volunteers, monks, and artisans who began their work at midnight.

Dedicating sacred stupa to someone is not an ordinary gesture. It is highly meritorious, auspicious, and spiritually significant. In Buddhism, a stupa is not just a monument, it is a physical representation of the Buddha’s enlightened mind.

Heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty, The King of Bhutan for graciously dedicating Stupa 76 to the hon’ble Prime Minister of India @narendramodi ji for his deep understanding & immense role in India’s steadfast commitment to the unique, spiritual and enduring friendship between India & Bhutan.

I’m extremely fortunate to attend the sacred ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, marking the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, accompanied by the blowing of Dungchens on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen.

#IndiaBhutan #Project108
@MEAIndia @Indiainbhutan

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 2, 2026

Rijiju expressed that it is a significant honor for India that the sacred Stupa 76 has been dedicated to PM Modi, acknowledging his remarkable vision and commitment to the friendship between the two nations.

The Union Minister attended the auspicious Lhabab Duchen ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, where the 108 stupas were consecrated, accompanied by the ceremonial blowing of 'Dungchens'.

He emphasized that dedicating a stupa is a profound act, rich in merit and spiritual significance.

In Buddhism, a stupa symbolizes not just a monument but also the enlightened mind of the Buddha, he noted.

Rijiju conveyed his sincere gratitude to the King of Bhutan for this dedication, recognizing Modi's deep understanding and significant role in maintaining the unique and enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.

He expressed his fortune in attending the sacred ceremony in Gelephu, which celebrated the raising and consecration of the stupas, marked by the blowing of Dungchens during the auspicious Lhabab Duchen.

During the event, Rijiju paid his respects and offered prayers in the presence of the King of Bhutan, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and the Bhutanese people.

He described the occasion as deeply meaningful, reflecting Bhutan's rich Buddhist heritage and the strong ties between the two nations.

Additionally, Rijiju had the privilege of a royal audience with the King of Bhutan in Gelephu, where he conveyed the warm regards of PM Modi and reaffirmed India's commitment to their enduring bilateral partnership.

He also congratulated Bhutan on the impressive accomplishment of constructing 108 Buddhist stupas in just six hours, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of over 40,000 volunteers, monks, and artisans who began their work after midnight.