People from across the country have been making their way to Gelephu over the past few days for the raising of the 108 Jangchub Chorten. According to police, nearly 15,000 vehicles carrying around 60,000 people entered Gelephu over the past two days. While some have secured accommodation with friends and relatives, many have pitched tents and arrived early to make sure they do not miss the historic occasion.
Tashi, a 65-year-old from Pema Gatshel, arrived in Gelephu last Tuesday with his wife. The couple travelled early to secure accommodation and to have enough time to pray ahead of the event. They have pitched a tent near the fishery camping area, where they plan to stay during the programme.
“We came here to offer our prayers and be part of this noble initiative of His Majesty The King,” Tashi said. “With so many spiritual leaders gathering here for the programme, we feel truly blessed. Such opportunities are rare, and we did not want to miss this chance to be part of it.”
Tashi and his wife are not alone. People from even the most distant places have made the journey, with some travelling for days to attend.
A group from Tashi Yangtse arrived on Thursday night and has secured places in one of the temporary campsites set up for visitors.
Jamkhar Gup Cheku said about 50 people from the gewog, including his wife, have travelled for the occasion. “We see this as an opportunity to witness Gelephu’s development in line with His Majesty’s vision and, hopefully, to see His Majesty in person,” he said. “We have also heard that many renowned spiritual leaders will be attending the programme, so we are here to receive their blessings.”
These temporary campsites have become an important part of the accommodation arrangements. Organisers and service providers are working to provide visitors with basic facilities, including sanitation and security. Several campsites are already filling up, while more tents are being set up to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Tshering Gyeltshen of TG Global Enterprise, a tent service provider, said he has leased about three acres of land. “We have completed the ground levelling and are pitching tents,” he said. “We are setting up tents to accommodate around 3,000 people. So far, we have pitched tents for about 1,500 people.”
Beyond the organised campsites, many Gelephu residents have also opened their homes to friends, relatives and other visitors.
People from all walks of life are making their way to Gelephu for the raising of the 108 chortens. Some have travelled long distances, leaving their homes behind, while others have taken time off from work to be a part of this historic occasion. Their growing presence reflects the unwavering faith and devotion of the Bhutanese people, and their belief in His Majesty’s vision for Gelephu and the future of Bhutan.
Changa Dorji & Kinley Dem
Edited by Sangay Chezom
