Canberra, Australia | 1 November 2026
The historic raising of 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Bhutan, was marked with prayers, devotion and heartfelt gratitude by the Bhutanese community in Canberra on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Düchen 2026.
The Bhutanese Buddhist and Cultural Centre, Canberra (BBCC), in collaboration with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra and the Australia Bhutan Association of Canberra (ABAC), organised a special prayer gathering to commemorate this significant milestone and offer collective aspirations for the success of Project 108 Jangchub Chortens.
For Bhutanese living thousands of kilometres away from home, the occasion carried a special meaning. While many wished to be physically present in Gelephu to witness this historic event, the gathering in Canberra provided an opportunity to be part of the celebration through prayers and shared devotion. It brought together members of the Bhutanese community, religious leaders, families and children, all united by a common sense of pride, gratitude and connection to their homeland.
One of the most memorable moments was watching the live broadcast from Gelephu Mindfulness City as the 108 chortens were raised. For those gathered in Canberra, it was difficult not to be moved by what was unfolding in Bhutan. There were tears of happiness, quiet moments of reflection and a deep sense of gratitude. Although separated from the celebrations by thousands of kilometres, the community shared in the joy and significance of the occasion.
The prayer ceremony in Canberra was presided over by His Eminence Gaytsho Lopen Tenzin Norbu of the Zhung Dratshang, together with revered Khenchen and Khenpos, in the presence of distinguished guests and members of the Bhutanese community.
The religious programme began with Neten Chudrug Sungchoe, the sacred prayers and offerings to the Sixteen Great Arhats. This was followed by Chenrezig prayers, during which the congregation joined in the recitation of the Mani mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. The ceremony concluded with the offering of butter lamps (Marmae Moenlam), with prayers dedicated to the success of Project 108, the fulfilment of His Majesty The King's aspirations, and the peace and well-being of all sentient beings.
The gathering was also attended by Her Excellency Pema Tshomo, Ambassador of Bhutan to the Commonwealth of Australia, whose presence made the occasion especially meaningful for the Bhutanese community.
Students from the Bhutanese Language and Culture School, Canberra, also joined the celebration and participated in the prayers. For children growing up in Australia, the occasion offered an opportunity to experience an important moment in Bhutan's history while learning about the religious and cultural traditions of their homeland. Their participation was particularly heartening for parents and community members, who continue to make efforts to pass on Bhutanese values, language and traditions to the younger generation.
Beyond the religious observance, the occasion was also a moment to reflect on the extraordinary vision of His Majesty The King and the developments taking shape in Gelephu Mindfulness City. For many Bhutanese, Project 108 represents far more than the construction of sacred monuments. It carries profound spiritual meaning and reflects the place of Buddhist values, compassion and wisdom in Bhutan's aspirations for the future.
The community expressed deep respect and gratitude to His Majesty for His farsighted leadership and continued dedication to the well-being of Bhutan and its people. Watching the historic event unfold was a reminder of the remarkable journey the country is undertaking under His Majesty's guidance. For Bhutanese living overseas, such moments often bring an especially strong sense of longing for home, together with pride in being part of a nation whose spiritual traditions remain deeply connected to its future.
Another remarkable aspect of the celebrations in Bhutan was the gathering of some of the most revered Buddhist masters and spiritual leaders from different traditions. The occasion brought together His Holiness the Je Khenpo of Bhutan, His Holiness the Karmapa, His Holiness Sakya Trizin, His Holiness the Gaden Tripa, and many other distinguished Buddhist masters.
Such a gathering of eminent spiritual leaders was an extraordinary sight for those following the celebrations from Canberra. Seeing great masters from different Buddhist traditions come together in Bhutan, united in prayers and aspirations, added immense spiritual significance to the occasion. It was a rare opportunity to witness the richness of the Buddhist tradition and the respect and harmony shared among its different lineages.
The fact that this historic gathering took place in Bhutan was itself a source of great pride for the community. It reflected the country's enduring spiritual heritage and its important role in preserving and promoting the teachings of the Buddha. For many watching from afar, the assembly of these revered masters was as moving as the raising of the 108 chortens itself.
