Prelims
Project 108
Context: On Lhabab Duchen, Bhutan consecrated 108 stupas at Gelephu Mindfulness City, dedicating Stupa No. 76 to Prime Minister of India in recognition of his support for the project and India–Bhutan relations.
About Project 108:
What it is?
- A royal spiritual-architectural initiative involving the simultaneous raising and consecration of 108 Jangchub Chortens (Stupas of Enlightenment) in a single day across an 11.7 km corridor at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in southern Bhutan.
Background of Project 108:
- Royal Initiative: Conceived and guided by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Project 108 establishes the spiritual and cultural foundations of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
- Historic Occasion: Undertaken on November 1, 2026, coinciding with Lhabab Duchen, commemorating Buddha’s descent from heaven, and the King’s 18th coronation anniversary.
- Mass Community Participation: Approximately 40,000 volunteers, monks and artisans reportedly constructed 108 stupas simultaneously within nine hours, demonstrating collective devotion and community cooperation.
Aim of Project 108: To establish Gelephu as a global Vajrayana Buddhist centre, promoting spiritual well-being, community resilience and the integration of Bhutanese traditions with sustainable economic development.
Key Features of Project 108:
- Sacred Geometry & Riverine Procession: Features 108 stupas spaced 108 metres apart along an approximately 11.7-km stretch of the Mau Chhu River, near Bhutan’s border with Assam.
- Architecture & Modern Engineering: Each 15-metre Jangchub Chorten combines traditional Buddhist architectural proportions with prefabricated steel frameworks, modular construction techniques and locally sourced materials.
- Spiritual Consecration & Chanting: Monastic assemblies led by the Je Khenpo performed sacred rituals, accompanied by traditional horns and collective recitation of Avalokiteshvara mantras.
- Sacred Relic Enshrinement: Each stupa contains Zung, sacred consecration materials comprising Buddhist scriptures, mantras, relics and prayers, symbolising spiritual merit and divine protection.
About Stupa Number 76:
What it is?
- A consecrated Jangchub Chorten along the Mau Chhu River, dedicated by Bhutan’s King to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolising India–Bhutan friendship.
Key Features:
- Symbolism of Number 76: The stupa’s number commemorates PM Narendra Modi entering his 76th year, connecting the dedication with his age.
- Tribute to Bilateral Partnership: Recognises India’s financial, infrastructural and connectivity support for Gelephu Mindfulness City, symbolising the enduring India–Bhutan strategic partnership.
