The Namgyel Chorten in Bumthang’s Ura Gewog, which has remained under construction for more than a decade, is finally set for completion by the year’s end. Work on one of the largest stupas in Ura is almost complete except for some final touch-ups.
One of the largest Namgyel Chorten in Ura Gewog is finally taking its full shape.
The structural works on the stupa, which stands about 42 metres tall, have been completed.
Construction began in 2015 to commemorate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
However, the progress has been slow. According to the project coordinator, the delay was mainly because of the shortage of labour and harsh weather conditions in the high-altitude region, rather than budget constraints.
“In Ura, we can only work for six months in a year. For the remaining months, construction is not possible because of the weather. Besides, we have to spend most of our time on farming activities. So, we are unable to fully dedicate the six-working months to chorten construction. COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the delay, where we could not carry out any work for almost two years,” said Tshewang Jigme, Project Coordinator, Ura Gewog, Bumthang.
Despite the prolonged construction period, the chorten is now nearing completion. Most of the sacred relics have already been installed, while the remaining works are expected to begin soon.
“We are trying to complete the construction within this year. We had initially planned to install the pinnacle in the first month of the Bhutanese calendar, but we could not do so because we were unable to collect all the required relics for the pinnacle. However, we are planning to install it next month, which is also considered an auspicious month. After that, we will carry out the remaining works, including whitewashing the stupa,” said Tshewang Jigme, Project Coordinator, Ura Gewog, Bumthang.
The installation of the chorten’s pinnacle and other remaining works are expected to resume next month. The stupa is built to bring prosperity to the valley and promote the flourishing of the dharma.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Phub Gyem
