The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As the historic day of Project 108 approaches, there are still questions from the public regarding event details and seating arrangements for the attendees.
Here is an aerial view of the venue of the historic raising of the 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu (see image on page 4).
There are a total of eight Zeerays (spectator galleries) made across the Mao River. Officials said that this is symbolic of the Tashi Tagye (eight lucky symbols) reflecting good fortune.
The seating area for attendees will be in front of the Zeerays. Each Zeeray is estimated to accommodate more than 10,000 people. Engineers and coordinators of the Zeerays expect more than 100,000 people turning in for the event and are preparing at full speed for arrangements.
Those who have registered for the event can access which Zeeray they have been assigned through the Project 108 website. Alongside the name of the registered individual, the Zeeray number which is colour-coded will be generated for easier understanding.
As of 16th October 2026, 115,206 attendees have registered for the event. Officials assured that preparations for Zeerays are going on stretching over 2 kilometers so that more than 100,000 people can fit in.
Along the Zeeray areas, a line of chortens and specifically Chortens no.56 to 94 can be observed by attendees. As coded in the aerial map, each Zeeray has a field of view showing a certain number of chortens that can be seen from the particular Zeerays for people’s reference.
Beyond the 108 Jangchub Chortens site, the foundations laid for the Gelephu Chorten can also be seen which is slightly visible from along the Mao Chhu.
The Jangchub Chorten will be raised within a single day and the entire event will continue for four days.
The first day will feature the raising of the 108 15-meter Jangchub Chortens starting at 3am in the morning of 1st November.
Headed by more than 50 domestic religious leaders including the Je Khenpo, the Five Lopens and various other Rinpoches, attendees will be reciting mani (prayers) for global peace and praying for good fortune.
These will be connected using sound systems with mics and sound boxes in the Zeerays and the Chortens so that the recited mani prayers from across the river can be heard throughout each Chorten.
After the prayers begin, a Marmey lighting will be featured where lamps will be distributed to attendees for them to hold it while reciting prayers. They will be asked to return later after the event ends.
At around 9:30am, His Majesty The King will inaugurate the Yojay, which is a sacred Buddhist practice of offering of alms by the people, a gesture of prayers and an expression of compassion and generosity.
Around 3pm and through the evening, the Jangchub Chortens will have finished construction and the Tashi Drub will be conducted.
The second day begins early at 6:30am. The official Tashi Rabney ceremony for the 108 Chortens will be held, with continuation of mani recitations.
The 3rd and 4th day are reserved for spiritual empowerment such as Wang and Lung conferred by religious figures prominent domestic and international Buddhist figures including the Je Khenpo, the Five Lopens, and various other Rinpoches.
The 108 Chortens will also be open for circumambulation (Kora). The entire site stretches over 13 kilometers.
Preparations for the historic day continue with haste. For clarifications and assistance, the public is encouraged to contact the 108 help desk.
