A Guinness World Records representative hands Lotay Tshering, the Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a certificate acknowledging as a new record the erection of 108 stupas in nine hours. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement GELEPHU (BHUTAN): Bhutan has set a Guinness World Record by erecting 108 Buddhist stupas in nine hours, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Governor Lotay Tshering said.A Guinness World Records representative handed Dr. Tshering the certificate acknowledging the feat at Gelephu on Tuesday evening (November 3, 2026).A town of about 10,000 people in southern Bhutan, Gelephu is some 240 km southeast of Thimphu, the country’s capital.About 40,000 trained volunteers raised the 108 stupas, also called Jangchub Chortens, between 3 a.m. and 11.55 a.m. on November 1, marking the 18th coronation anniversary of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.Bhutan also observes November 1 as the Day of Lord Buddha’s Descent from the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven and Mother’s Day.Officials who oversaw the record-breaking feat said the volunteers were divided into teams of 20-23 members, who worked simultaneously across designated sites to raise the 108 stupas, each 14 metres tall and 108 metres apart along the banks of the Mau Chhu River, Gelephu’s lifeline.The Bhutan King’s vision to build a country for the future, but rooted in its traditions and practices, drove Project 108 (stupas).

He also envisaged the project as a spiritual foundation of GMC, a spirituality-based ethical global economic hub.Each chorten cost an estimated $200,000, and individuals, families, communities and institutions worldwide have contributed to the project. One of these, Chorten No.

76, was dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an “enduring symbol” of the King’s “profound admiration” of India’s “steadfast commitment for the realisation” of GMC.“To raise 108 Stupas in a matter of hours is a remarkable accomplishment. But the true fruit of those blessings, those prayers, and that labour is seen in us, the Bhutanese people.

In our values and virtues, in our loyalty, and in the joy we take in service,” King Wangchuck said after the feat on November 1.“People from every walk of life and every generation, coming together of their own will to make a difference for Bhutan and our future. That is the Bhutanese spirit, and in my view, the greatest accomplishment of this day,” he said.

Published - November 04, 2026 10:51 am IST