Bhutan’s mindfulness city draws tens of thousands to build 108 Buddhist stupas
A day of collective effort
Volunteers began work after midnight to build the 108 stupas, officials said. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said he had worried that completing them in one day might not succeed.
The number 108 is sacred in Buddhism, widely practised in Bhutan. Nima Gyeltshen, head of the Organisation for Youth Empowerment, said the occasion would be remembered by future generations. The organisation helps young Bhutanese find work.
Plans for Gelephu
Gelephu Mindfulness City was conceived by the king and designed by Danish architects. Bhutanese leaders aim to use it to drive economic growth and persuade more young people to remain in the country.
Gelephu is currently a small town of about 10,000 people in southern Bhutan, along the Indian border. It lies about 240km (150 miles) south of the capital, Thimphu.
Connectivity and uncertainty
The site is set to connect to India’s rail network in neighbouring Assam. An international airport is planned to open in 2029. Analysts have questioned whether Bhutan can attract enough investment to realise its plans for the city. Resident Bishnu Maya Moktang said she was excited about its future and felt fortunate to see it take shape.
Key points
- More than 40,000 volunteers took part in building 108 Buddhist stupas.
- Bhutan hopes Gelephu Mindfulness City will boost growth and encourage young people to stay.
- The planned city is in southern Bhutan near India and currently has about 10,000 residents.
- An international airport is slated to open in 2029, though analysts question whether investment will be sufficient.