Kiren Rijiju, in a post on X, said Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk has dedicated a Buddhist stupa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Lhabab Duchen, a Buddhist festival commemorating the day Buddha descended back to Earth from the heavenly realm.Rijiju attended the ceremony at Gelephu Mindfulness City on the occasion of Lhabab Duchen. Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has dedicated a Buddhist stupa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his vision and commitment to friendship between India and Bhutan, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said, according to news agency Press Trust of India.The dedication was part of a ceremony in Bhutan marking the construction and consecration of 108 Buddhist stupas.
Rijiju said the stupas were built in six hours on November 1 with the participation of more than 40,000 volunteers, monks and artisans, who began work after midnight.In a post on X, Rijiju said, "It's a huge honour for India that very sacred stupa 76 is dedicated to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji for his outstanding vision and commitment to friendship between India and Bhutan."Dedicating sacred stupa to someone is not an ordinary gesture. It is highly meritorious, auspicious, and spiritually significant.
In Buddhism, a stupa is not just a monument, it is a physical representation of the Buddha’s enlightened mind. Heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty, The King of Bhutan for graciously dedicating Stupa 76 to the hon'ble Prime Minister of India @narendramodi ji for his deep understanding & immense role in India’s steadfast commitment to the unique, spiritual and enduring friendship between India & Bhutan.
I'm extremely fortunate to attend the sacred ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, marking the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, accompanied by the blowing of Dungchens on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen. #IndiaBhutan #Project108 @MEAIndia @Indiainbhutan— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 2, 2026Rijiju attended the ceremony at Gelephu Mindfulness City on the occasion of Lhabab Duchen, a Buddhist festival commemorating the day Buddha descended back to Earth from the heavenly realm. The raising and consecration of the stupas were accompanied by the blowing of Dungchens.According to PTI, Rijiju said dedicating a sacred stupa to someone was not an ordinary gesture and carried spiritual significance. "In Buddhism, a stupa is not just a monument, it is a physical representation of the Buddha's enlightened mind," he said on Monday.
He expressed gratitude to the King of Bhutan for dedicating Stupa 76 to Modi, citing the prime minister's understanding and role in India's commitment to its spiritual and enduring friendship with Bhutan."I'm extremely fortunate to attend the sacred ceremony in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, marking the raising and consecration of 108 stupas, accompanied by the blowing of Dungchens on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duchen," Rijiju said.He said he paid his respects and offered prayers in the presence of the King of Bhutan, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and the people of Bhutan. He described it as "a deeply meaningful spiritual occasion, reflecting Bhutan's rich Buddhist heritage and the enduring bonds of friendship between our two nations".Rijiju also said he had a royal audience with the King in Gelephu. "Conveyed the warm greetings of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and reaffirmed India's steadfast commitment to our unique and enduring bilateral partnership," he said.Rijiju congratulated Bhutan on building 108 stupas in six hours with the participation of more than 40,000 people and said the dedication of Stupa 76 to Modi reflected the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.- Ends