PHUL MAYA TAMANG
Gelephu
The Sarpang Dzongkhag Administration, led by the Governor, along with regional heads, Gups, and sector officials, warmly welcomed His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche upon his arrival in Gelephu.
The revered Buddhist master was escorted to Thubten Choekhorthang Wangkhang, marking the commencement of the Nyingthik Tsapoed Empowerment and Transmission, a significant religious event scheduled from March 6 to March 29.
The ceremony has drawn thousands of devotees from across Bhutan and beyond, reinforcing Gelephu’s growing prominence as a religious and spiritual center.
The event is being held at Thubten Choekhorthang, a sacred site known for its majestic open-air Buddha statue, which was built in 1989 under the guidance of the 68th Je Khenpo, Tenzin Doendrup. The south-facing statue, overlooking India, is a symbolic gesture of welcome and blessings to those entering and leaving Bhutan.
In December 2023, the Gelephu Thromde administration completed a major renovation of the statue and its surroundings, enhancing the site’s spiritual ambiance. These improvements align with the increasing importance of Gelephu as a center for religious activities, drawing not just pilgrims but also visitors interested in Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage.
The visit of His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche has had an immediate economic impact, particularly in the hospitality sector. Hotels in Gelephu have reported a surge in bookings, with many establishments fully reserved weeks in advance. The influx of devotees has also benefited restaurants, transport services, and local vendors, demonstrating how religious events contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
“This is one of the largest gatherings we’ve seen in recent years,” said a local hotel owner. “All our rooms have been booked, and we’ve had to turn away many visitors. Events like these are crucial for business in Gelephu.”
Beyond the economic benefits, the ceremony is a deeply spiritual occasion for those attending. The Nyingthik Tsapoed Empowerment and Transmission is a rare and profound Buddhist practice, offering devotees an opportunity to receive blessings, teachings, and empowerment from one of Bhutan’s most respected spiritual leaders. Such events not only strengthen faith but also foster a sense of unity and shared devotion among participants.
Gelephu has increasingly become a focal point for Buddhist ceremonies and spiritual gatherings. In January 2025, His Holiness the Je Khenpo conducted a Tshewang (longevity blessing) ceremony at Thubten Choekhorthang, which attracted one of the largest crowds the town has ever witnessed.
These events are part of a broader trend positioning Gelephu as a key religious and cultural hub in Bhutan. The Gelephu Mindfulness City project, envisioned by His Majesty the King, aims to establish the region as a center for meditation, mindfulness practices, and spiritual learning. Many prominent Rinpoches and religious figures have shown support for this initiative, recognizing its potential to blend Bhutan’s spiritual traditions with modern development.
The Sarpang Dzongkhag Administration, in collaboration with local authorities, has worked extensively to ensure smooth logistics for the current ceremony. Organizers have coordinated with local businesses, security personnel, and volunteers to manage the large crowds expected over the coming weeks.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the Nyingthik Tsapoed Empowerment and Transmission, hosting such large-scale religious gatherings presents logistical challenges. Traffic congestion, accommodation shortages, and crowd control are key concerns, particularly in a town like Gelephu, which is still expanding its infrastructure to accommodate growing visitor numbers.
Health services have also been mobilized, with medical teams on standby to assist elderly devotees and those traveling from remote areas. Organizers have encouraged visitors to plan their journeys in advance and have set up designated areas for rest and refreshments.
Another challenge is ensuring that the spiritual integrity of the event is maintained despite the large turnout. Religious ceremonies in Bhutan are deeply rooted in tradition, discipline, and mindfulness, and maintaining the sanctity of these practices amid logistical demands requires careful coordination.
As the Nyingthik Tsapoed Empowerment and Transmission ceremony unfolds over the next three weeks, it is expected to leave a profound impact on the devotees attending. His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche’s teachings will resonate beyond the event, inspiring deeper faith, spiritual reflection, and commitment to Buddhist practices.
For many attendees, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive blessings directly from one of Bhutan’s most revered Buddhist masters. The teachings provided during the empowerment ceremony will focus on compassion, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment, reinforcing Bhutan’s strong foundation in Vajrayana Buddhism.
The success of this religious gathering underscores the potential for Gelephu to host even larger spiritual events in the future. With increasing support from government agencies, religious institutions, and local businesses, the town is well on its way to becoming a permanent center for Buddhist teachings and cultural exchanges.
The ongoing development of infrastructure and services in Gelephu—combined with the region’s deep-rooted spiritual significance—ensures that it remains a key destination for religious and cultural gatherings in Bhutan.
