Only hours remain before the historic raising of the 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu, with preparations in place and thousands of devotees and visitors gathering ahead of the ceremony.
At the Zeeray site, thousands of devotees and visitors are expected to gather for the occasion. Many people have already been visiting the site hours before the gates open. Some came to familiarise themselves with the grounds and see where they will be seated, while others wanted to witness the preparations up close.
For many, the anticipation has been building for weeks, and with the moment approaching, attendees say the excitement is difficult to contain.
Gembo, an attendee from Phuentshogling, said he had been waiting for the occasion for quite some time.
“I have been waiting for this moment for quite some time now. At times, I even wished that the Chortens would be raised today itself. This excitement has brought me here today, and I am very excited.”
Dechen Wangmo, an attendee from Gelephu, said she felt fortunate to witness the historic occasion.
“I have never heard of 108 Chortens being raised in a single day, and it is quite difficult to believe. But now that it is actually happening here, I feel very happy and fortunate to be part of it and witness it with my own eyes.”
Singey Dorji, an attendee from Paro, said his excitement for the occasion was difficult to put into words.
“If I tell you about my excitement for tomorrow, it cannot be expressed through stories or written in words. With the guidance of our visionary King, when we are able to make something like this happen, even big and high-income countries are looking at us with amazement. At times, I even wonder whether this is a dream or reality.”
The ceremony will begin in the wee hours tomorrow. It will be marked by the sounding of 58 sets of dungchens, heralding the start of the spiritual undertaking.
As Gelephu prepares for the historic raising, people are not only looking forward to witnessing the occasion but are also offering prayers for peace, happiness and the well-being of all sentient beings.
For many gathered here, it is a moment of faith, unity and collective pride.
Passang Dorji, BBS, Gelephu
