For thousands who gathered in Gelephu, the raising of 108 stupas was more than a historic milestone. It was a deeply spiritual experience, an opportunity to offer prayers, seek blessings and be part of a moment they will cherish for a lifetime. But beyond the sight of 108 stupas rising, it was the powerful sound of the dungchen, marking the beginning and completion of the construction, that stirred some of the deepest emotions among those gathered.
For 70-year-old Sangay Wangchuk, being part of this historic occasion meant more than simply witnessing the raising of 108 stupas. It was an opportunity to make a heartfelt offering to the country in the only way he felt he could through prayers.
Sangay moved from Monggar to Chhuzergang Gewog in Gelephu nearly 30 years ago. He was among the first six people to arrive at the event ground, reaching as early as six in the evening the previous day.
Braving the cold through the night and the heat during the day, he waited eagerly for the ceremony.
“I have come with excitement and anticipation, hoping that I would be able to recite even one more mani. For our King, who is the emanation of the Second Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, I may not be able to contribute materially to the country. So, I thought I will recite as many mantras as possible to ward off negative forces and energies and pray for the country’s well-being,” said Sangay Wangchuk.
But it was the sound of 58 sets of dungchen that left an especially deep impression on him. As they sounded to mark the beginning of the construction, he says he was overcome by emotions that were difficult to describe.
“We rarely even hear people whistling, let alone the sound of 58 sets of dungchen. When they began sounding, I experienced so many different emotions. It felt as though the Buddha himself had descended, following the sound of the dungchen. With the raising of 108 stupas in a single day, I feel our country has transformed into a land of the Buddha or a haven.”
For Ngawang Choden, the emotions were just as overwhelming. Having never witnessed anything like it before, seeing the stupas being raised left her deeply moved, even bringing her to tears.
“I have been preparing for this event for the last two weeks. I have neither heard of such an event in the past nor seen anything like it. When all this happened, I was overcome by different emotions, and I became teary-eyed.”
And the emotions did not end with the completion of the stupas. As the dungchen sounded once again, this time marking the completion of the construction, the powerful notes carried a different but equally profound meaning, a celebration of what had been accomplished in a single day.
For 
witnessing this historic moment alongside His Majesty The King, religious masters from across the world and thousands of devotees made the occasion even more auspicious.
“To me, our King is the emanation of the Tibetan Dharma King Songtsen Gampo, and witnessing the raising of 108 stupas in a single day has deepened my devotion even further. We had been counting the days to this occasion with great anticipation. Having religious masters from across the world gather here, alongside His Majesty The King and the people, and offering prayers together for peace, prosperity and a better future for our children, makes this an incredibly auspicious occasion.”
What began with prayers, anticipation and powerful sacred sounds culminated in the raising of 108 stupas, bringing thousands together in a shared moment of devotion.
And long after the crowds have dispersed, the sounds of the dungchen and the prayers offered here will remain etched in the memories of those who witnessed this historic occasion.
Kindley Dem & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
