The wait is almost over. In just a few hours, Bhutan will see the royal vision take shape as 108 stupas rise in Gelephu Mindfulness City. Before sunrise, the ceremony will begin with sacred prayers and centuries-old Buddhist traditions, setting the stage for a day of significant spiritual observances. With several ceremonies planned throughout the day, here is what to expect as this historic occasion unfolds.
The day will begin well before sunrise.
At 1:30 AM, construction volunteers will arrive at their designated stupa sites on the east bank of the Mao River. Monks and religious masters will follow, as preparations get underway for the ceremony.
By 2 AM, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will arrive, followed shortly by His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and members of the Royal Family.
After the traditional reception of Their Majesties, Sungchoe will begin at 2:45 AM.
And at 3 AM, the raising of the 108 stupas will commence, marked by the powerful sound of 58 sets of dungchen.
While this takes place on the east bank, the main event site on the west bank will also come alive with recitation of Mani, beginning at 2:45 AM.
The morning’s main ceremony will begin at 8 AM, when all guests are expected to be seated.
One of the key moments will be the ceremonial marking of the completion of all 108 stupas. This will be followed by the National Anthem and a royal address by His Majesty The King.
But the day does not end there.
At 5 PM, attention will once again turn to the main event site for the Tashi Drup ceremony, presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
And as evening sets in, a drone show is scheduled for 6 PM, bringing the day’s programme to a close.
And the celebrations will continue over the following three days.
On 2 November, the programme will begin with the Tashi Rabney ceremony, consecration prayers for the stupas.
On 3 November, attention will return to the stupas, with devotees and attendees taking part in circumambulation, while the recitation of Mani continues at the main event site.
The final day, 4 November, will feature the offering of Bum-ter Thukmoen for Shambala Dzong at Phulari. The programme will include religious offerings, Wang and Lung by spiritual masters, and a Long-Life Empowerment by Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, scheduled for 2 PM.
From the early morning prayers and the raising of the stupas to the main ceremony and the evening drone show, the programme will unfold throughout the day at different locations in Gelephu. For those attending, knowing where to be and when to arrive will help ensure a smooth and orderly celebration.
Tashi Dekar
