Bhutan to build 108 Buddhist stupas in 14 hours for world peace; Assam gears up for global influx

Bhutan is preparing to undertake an ambitious initiative for world peace, with 108 Buddhist stupas, known as Jangchub Chortens, scheduled to be built across a 12-km stretch along the Mao Chhu river in Gelephu, the country’s planned Mindfulness City.

Around 4,000 volunteers and construction workers are expected to participate in the initiative, with work scheduled to begin at midnight on November 1 and be completed within 14 hours.

The event is expected to draw more than one lakh people, including tourists, investors, diplomats and Buddhist monks from over 20 countries, according to information available about the programme.

Preparations for the event have also prompted activity along the India-Bhutan corridor in Assam’s Chirang district, where the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) administration has stepped up arrangements to facilitate movement between Samthaibari and the international border at Dadgiri.

The Chirang district administration has arranged special security along the approximately 40-km road connecting Samthaibari with Gelephu.

The BTC administration has also constructed two welcome gateways at Samthaibari and Dadgiri to receive visitors travelling to Bhutan for the event. BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary formally inaugurated the two gateways on Wednesday.

Mohilary also spoke about plans to develop Dadgiri, which borders Gelephu, into a township that could complement Bhutan’s proposed Mindfulness City.

As part of the preparations, the BTC administration has established facilities for foreign visitors near the newly set up immigration centre at Dadgiri. These include a guesthouse, a handloom and weaving facility, and three exhibition-cum-marketing centres associated with eri and muga silk and the tourism sector.

The developments are expected to strengthen visitor facilities and promote local handicrafts and tourism along the India-Bhutan border.

Bhutan’s proposed construction of 108 stupas is being presented as an initiative promoting world peace and spiritual harmony, while the arrangements in Chirang reflect efforts to facilitate cross-border travel and explore economic opportunities linked to Gelephu’s planned development.