Bhutan Builds 108 Buddhist Stupas in New "Mindfulness City

Tens of thousands of volunteers have come together to build 108 Buddhist stupas in Bhutan's new "mindfulness city, Gelephu Mindfulness City. This ambitious project aims to boost economic growth for the Himalayan kingdom.

The stupas, which stand at 15 meters tall, are sacred Buddhist monuments found across the Himalayas. They were installed along a 12-kilometer stretch of riverbank near the Indian border, marking an impressive feat of construction. The structures have been built as part of a grand ceremony to establish Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Over 40,000 volunteers participated in building the stupas, with officials describing their efforts as a physical form of prayer made permanent in stone and earth". This massive undertaking was completed after midnight, with workers rising early to finish the task. The number 108 is significant in Buddhism, a religion widely practiced in Bhutan.

A large crowd of nearly a quarter of Bhutan's population attended the ceremony to witness the completion of the stupas. In his speech at the event, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck expressed his appreciation for the volunteers' hard work and dedication.

The construction of Gelephu Mindfulness City is a significant undertaking in southern Bhutan, designed to boost the country's economy and attract investment in various sectors.

Bhutan faces several economic challenges, including rising unemployment, falling birth rates, and the mass migration of skilled workers, which has put pressure on the government to create jobs and opportunities for its citizens.

The city is currently a small town with a population of approximately 10,000 people, located along the border with India about 240km south of Thimphu, the national capital.

Gelephu Mindfulness City was established by royal charter in 2024 as a special zone to create an economic hub and generate growth through sustainable business, green technology, education, tourism, and financial services.

The ambitious project of Gelephu Mindfulness City has raised eyebrows among analysts who question whether Bhutan can attract sufficient investment to bring its vision to life.

Despite these concerns, Indian business magnate Gautam Adani has thrown his weight behind the initiative by joining as a founding member in January. This high-profile endorsement is likely to boost investor confidence and pave the way for significant funding.

The city's infrastructure is also taking shape with plans to connect it to India's rail network through neighbouring Assam, while an international airport is set to open in 2029. The project is also exploring innovative financing methods, including the use of cryptocurrency, with Bhutan mining Bitcoin using its surplus hydropower.