Bhutan builds 108 Buddhist stupas in nine hours, sets historic record for global peace

In a major initiative promoting global peace, unity and brotherhood, Bhutan has constructed 108 Buddhist stupas, known as Jangchub Chortens, along a 12-km stretch of the Mao Chhu River in Gelephu, completing the ambitious project in just nine hours.

Around 6,000 volunteers joined hands to construct the 108 stupas, each standing 15 metres tall, in a coordinated effort that began at 3 am and concluded by noon on Sunday. The initiative, undertaken by the Royal Government of Bhutan, was aimed at conveying a message of peace, compassion and harmony to the world.

The historic event drew an estimated gathering of more than two lakh Bhutanese citizens from different parts of the country, who assembled along the riverbanks to offer collective prayers and support the initiative.

Bhutan's King, His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, arrived at the venue in the morning accompanied by members of the royal family and later addressed the gathering.

The event also witnessed the participation of international dignitaries, ambassadors, investors and tourists from more than 50 countries. Among the prominent attendees were Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and India's Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.

Speaking to the media, Dawa Penjor, president of the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Association, highlighted the significance of the initiative and its message of strengthening international friendship and promoting global peace.

Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements were put in place along the India-Bhutan border, particularly in the Dadgiri area, in view of the large-scale international gathering in Gelephu.

Personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Police and Royal Bhutan Police were deployed jointly to maintain security and facilitate the movement of Bhutanese citizens, international visitors and foreign dignitaries attending the event.

Despite the participation of more than two lakh people and the movement of thousands of vehicles, the gathering reportedly witnessed no noticeable noise pollution, reflecting the coordination and crowd-management arrangements put in place for the event.

The construction of the 108 Jangchub Chortens is expected to remain a significant symbol of Bhutan's message of peace, compassion and collective harmony, extending beyond its borders to the international community.