Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju represented Government of India at the ceremony for raising and consecration of 108 Stupas in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, led by His Majesty The King of Bhutan on 01 November 2026. Shri Rijiju’s presence at the 108 Stupas event is an expression of shared spiritual and cultural ties, and the close friendship between the peoples of India and Bhutan.
The 108 Stupas project was conceived by His Majesty The King of Bhutan who also steered its implementation. In a single day, thousands of volunteers erected 108 Stupas, each 15 metres tall and separated by 108 metres on an 11.7 kilometre stretch along the Aie (Mau) River within Gelephu Mindfulness City near the border with Assam. The project aims to showcase Gelephu Mindfulness City as a prominent center of Vajrayana Buddhism, while simultaneously representing the values and culture of the Bhutanese people.
His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Prime Minister of Bhutan and Minister Shri Rijiju offered prayers at the Stupa No.76, dedicated by His Majesty The King of Bhutan to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his commitment and steadfast support to the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Shri Rijiju conveyed gratitude on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to His Majesty The King of Bhutan for the gesture of dedicating a Stupa as part of the Project.
During the visit to Bhutan from 31 October – 2 November 2026, Shri Rijiju received an audience with His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and met with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The two sides appreciated the special friendship between the two nations and the healthy trend in bilateral cooperation in diverse areas such as development cooperation, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and cultural connections. Shri Rijiju reaffirmed India’s support for the visionary project of Gelephu Mindfulness City and its role in development of neighbouring areas in India together with Bhutan.