The Bhutanese Leading the way.
With less than 30 hours remaining before a monumental undertaking unfolds along the Mau Chu, an unprecedented wave of excitement, devotion, and economic activity has swept through the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
More than 150,000 people have gathered in the city to witness what is poised to be a historic spectacle: the simultaneous construction of 108 Jangchub Chortens in a single day, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duechen.
The influx of pilgrims, international visitors, and domestic travelers has transformed the southern gateway. The streets of the old town are filled to capacity for the first time in history, accompanied by heavy vehicular traffic and a thriving local economy fueled by a massive surge in foot traffic.
For many who have traveled from across the country and abroad, the gathering represents much more than a grand architectural feat.
“When I first came to Bhutan over 15 years ago, I could never have dreamed of this day,” said Ani Pema Deki (Emma Slade). “I feel that the maturing of the vision of Gross National Happiness is finally happening in Gelephu and it’s like the preciousness of Bhutan is now being shared with the world.”
The sentiment of a homecoming vision resonates with the diaspora as well. Orgyen Dorje, a Bhutanese living in France, noted, “I came to GMC to witness the vision of His Majesty unfold and I am very excited to see the 108 Jangchub Chortens being built in one day and especially during Lhabab Duechen. I am very excited and I hope many people can come and join the event as well.”
International volunteers who have watched the region evolve share in the collective awe. Lorelie, from Canada, who has been living in Bhutan for 2 years and assisted with site clearing activities last year, expressed her excitement over the rapid transformation. “It’s very exciting being here… There’s a lot of energy and there’s a lot of people. The Bhutanese people are always lovely and it’s fun to see people coming for such a momentous occasion.”
The historic scale of the event has drawn citizens from every corner of the kingdom. Kanjur, traveling all the way from Samdrup Jongkhar, captured the spirit of the pilgrims, stating, “While the construction of the project is no ordinary feat, we are happier by just stepping into Gelephu.”
Echoing this pride, Kinley Dorji from Haa added, “This is the first time in Bhutan’s history and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Institutions have also adapted to ensure staff and students can partake in the national milestone. Namgay Phuntsho, Principal of Taktsang Academy, shared that the school declared a holiday so that 20 to 30 staff members could travel to receive blessings from the historic event. “We saw a lot of developments in Gelephu and would like to thank the workers and His Majesty for their relentless hard work.”
As the final hours tick down toward the grand undertaking along the Mau Chu, the atmosphere in GMC remains charged with vibrant energy—marking a defining chapter in the unfolding story of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
