The construction of the country’s tallest stupa at Ura in Bumthang is now entering its ninth year. However, the construction of the external structure of the gigantic monument is nearing completion. Once complete, the Chorten will become the largest Namgyel Chorten in the country.
Works at the construction site in Talingthang are currently on halt, as the villagers are busy with farm work.
The chorten will be 138 feet tall and 75 feet wide. It is constructed on over 70 decimals of land, offered by some villagers of Ura.
Ura Gup said construction is still ongoing because the workers get only around four months a year to work. As the construction is a community initiative of the Ura Dozhi, a cluster of four villages in Ura, most of the work is done by the villagers themselves.
However, as they are indulged in their farm work and developmental work throughout the year, the progress is quite slow.
“Since we have to use cement for the construction of the Chorten, we only have around four months to work on it due to cold weather. Since the working days are short, and the workers, who are residents here are indulged in other works, we have not been able to consistently work on it,” said Khandu Wangchuk, Ura Gup.
He added that 95 per cent of the outer structure of the Chorten has been completed. The only things remaining are installing the Choekhhor Khorlo and the Ser-to. Regarding the chorten’s inner components, three of the major Zungs which include Dorji Drolo clay statues and Tsha-tshas or clay sculptures and other relics have yet to be installed.
“When the Chorten’s construction started, the residents discussed among themselves and decided to volunteer and work. If possible, to speed up the works, employing workers dedicated only to the construction works would help in completing the construction,” added the gup.
So far, 70,000 Dorji Drolo clay statues have been installed in the stupa from contributions made by well-wishers. 30,000 more have to be sculpted for which the people are looking for donations.
Similarly, 100,000 Tsha-tshas have been installed from contributions. For the remaining 100,000 Tsha-tshas, works have yet to start.
His Majesty The King granted Nu 7 M for the project according to Ura Gup.
He said Bhutanese living overseas and within the country, as well as foreign donors, have helped them with contributions.
Construction works will continue after the Yakchoe festival ends in May. The construction of the chorten began in 2015 as a tribute to the 60th Birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Moreover, many lamas advised the people of Ura that constructing a chorten at the end of their village would bring fortunes and prosperity to them.
Tashi Yangden, Bumthang
Edited by Kipchu
