More than 40,000 volunteers gathered in southern Bhutan on Sunday to build 108 Buddhist stupas in a single day, marking a major step towards the Himalayan kingdom’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

The 15-metre-high structures stretch along 12 kilometres of riverbank near the Indian border. Volunteers began work shortly after midnight, turning the construction into what officials described as an act of collective prayer.

According to AFP, the initiative is part of Bhutan’s wider effort to develop a new economic hub focused on sustainable business, green technology, tourism, education and financial services.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck launched the special economic zone in 2024 to attract foreign investment and create opportunities for young people, many of whom have left the country in search of work abroad.

The 108 stupas, built at an estimated cost of $21 million, are expected to become a landmark of the planned city. However, questions remain over whether Bhutan can attract enough investment to turn the ambitious vision into reality.

The project is expected to gain stronger regional connectivity through a proposed link to India's railway network in Assam, while an international airport is planned for 2029.

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