The ceremony follows King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s February 21, 2026 proclamation of the 108‑stupa project, a move he said would prove the nation’s resolve amid global uncertainty. He called the effort a test of unity, declaring that “when we stand together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.” The 108 Jangchub Chortens, each 15 metres high, will be raised in a single day, a first in human history. The event is expected to attract 121,000 registered Bhutanese and 1,000 international guests, including over 60 foreign spiritual leaders.
The number 108 carries deep symbolic weight in Buddhist and Vedic traditions, representing the complete set of the Buddha’s teachings and the full cycle of life. In Bhutan, the 108 volumes of the Kangyur are preserved in monasteries, while practitioners use 108‑bead malas during meditation. Building all 108 stupas at once is meant to amplify this cosmological significance and create a powerful spiritual landmark in Gelephu.
Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special administrative region, has already begun constructing a world‑class airport and major spiritual complexes. Officials say the city’s planners are coordinating with engineers, artisans and investors to finish the stupas before the ceremony. The ceremony will be livestreamed to audiences worldwide, allowing the 60 foreign and 100 Bhutanese spiritual leaders to participate remotely.
The next day, the city will officially open its new spiritual center, signalling a new chapter in Bhutan’s blend of tradition and modernity.