One of the first things that will welcome visitors to the Gelephu Mindfulness City will be a huge four-storied Chorten. The Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body carried out a cleansing ceremony yesterday for the Chorten which is being constructed at Namkhaling in Gelephu. The structure will serve as the gateway to the historic Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The monument being constructed is a Tabab Chorten, which means where one would dismount their riding horse and walk as a sign of respect in the past.
The Central Monastic Body started the construction works a month ago upon the command of His Majesty The King.
According to a project official, the four-storied structure will not only serve as a symbol of Bhutanese culture and heritage but also as a beacon of peace as people enter the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“Whether it is a Bhutanese or a foreigner who is visiting, the Tabab Chorten will depict the culture of our country and give you the feeling that you have now entered Bhutan,” said Chogey, Zhung Dratshang’s Project Manager.
The Chorten is being constructed at a cost of Nu 300 M. It is expected to be ready in about eight months. The project also consists of a 14-meter tall outer wall measuring 12.7 meters. Ten DeSuups who are skilled in masonry and 12 foreign workers are carrying out the construction works.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
