Buddhist masters gather in Gelephu in Bhutan to witness building of 108 stupas

Associated Press · Anupam Nath, Deepa Bharath · 2026-11-01 18:27 UTC

Buddhist masters have gathered in Gelephu, Bhutan, to witness the construction of 108 stupas in a single day. The newly erected sacred structures representing Buddha’s enlightenment anchor Gelephu Mindfulness City. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck conceived the city as a major hub that he hopes will help the nation's ailing economy. His vision of the city is also rooted in Buddhist principles of sustainability, peace and compassion. These stupas, known as Jangchub Chortens in Vajrayana Buddhism, symbolize Buddha’s enlightenment. They were built by over 40,000 volunteers as a crowd of 200,000 visitors from around the world watched while they offered prayers and chants.

Thousands of volunteers build 108 stupas in a day in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City

Nearly 200,000 people, including Buddhist masters from different schools and traditions, gathered in Gelephu, Bhutan, on Sunday to witness volunteers erect 108 sacred stupas in a single day. Each stupa stands about 50 feet tall and represents Buddha’s enlightenment. The project, known as Project 108, is part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative envisioned by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The city aims to promote economic growth while prioritising environmental sustainability and the happiness of its people. AP Video by Anupam Nath

Buddhists pray holding a yellow light ball as workers undertake construction of stupas of enlightenment at the Gelephu Mindfulness City project site in Gelephu, Bhutan, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

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