Bhutan Public Holidays

Bhutan Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Bhutan? All public holidays in Bhutan are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Bhutan employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Holidays in Bhutan

 

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Overview

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st and marks the beginning of the new Gregorian calendar year. In Bhutan, this day is a time for reflection, renewal, and family gatherings. While the country follows the traditional Buddhist lunar calendar for most of its major festivals, New Year’s Day in Bhutan aligns with the Western calendar and is observed by the general population.

Celebrations

New Year’s Day is celebrated with low-key gatherings among family and friends. People spend time at home or visit relatives. There are no large public festivities, but many people observe the day with personal resolutions, prayers, and appreciation for the year gone by. Bhutanese citizens use this holiday to take a break from their regular work routine and focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

Days Off

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Bhutan, and most workers, including government employees, receive the day off. Schools, government offices, and businesses typically close, and citizens have the day off to enjoy time with family or engage in quiet activities.

National Day (December 17)

Overview

National Day, celebrated on December 17th, commemorates the day in 1907 when Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned as the first King of Bhutan, marking the beginning of the monarchy. This is a significant national holiday, reflecting the importance of the monarchy in Bhutan’s history and its role in the country’s modernization.

Celebrations

National Day is celebrated with grand ceremonies, including a speech from the King, military parades, and performances of traditional Bhutanese music and dance. The highlight of the celebration is the official flag-raising ceremony, which takes place in the capital, Thimphu, and is attended by high-ranking officials, the royal family, and the general public. Bhutanese people across the country display their national pride by dressing in traditional attire and attending the festivities. The day is also marked by cultural exhibitions showcasing Bhutan’s heritage.

Days Off

National Day is a public holiday in Bhutan, and most citizens are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and citizens typically participate in celebrations or take the time to reflect on Bhutan’s history and achievements.

The King’s Birthday (February 21)

Overview

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday in Bhutan, celebrated on February 21st. It marks the birthday of the current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. As the beloved monarch, his birthday is a time for the people of Bhutan to celebrate his leadership and the accomplishments of the monarchy.

Celebrations

The day is marked by official ceremonies, including speeches by government leaders, religious rituals, and performances of Bhutanese traditional music and dance. Bhutanese people show their gratitude for the King’s leadership by attending celebrations in Thimphu and other parts of the country. The royal family also plays an active role in the day’s events, reflecting on the King’s vision for the country and its people. Bhutanese citizens dress in traditional clothing and participate in various festivities throughout the day.

Days Off

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday in Bhutan, and most citizens receive the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and citizens spend the day participating in public events or spending time with their families.

Buddha’s Parinirvana (April/May)

Overview

Buddha’s Parinirvana, also known as the Day of Buddha’s Passing, is an important religious holiday in Bhutan. It commemorates the day that the Buddha passed into Parinirvana, or final nirvana, after his death. This day is significant to the Buddhist community and is a time for reflection, prayers, and religious observance.

Celebrations

On this day, Bhutanese Buddhists gather in monasteries and temples to participate in religious ceremonies, which may include prayers, offerings, and chanting. There are also teachings and discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha. Many Bhutanese people visit temples and perform acts of charity to honor the Buddha’s life and teachings. The day is a time for spiritual renewal, and the Bhutanese population reflects on the teachings of Buddhism.

Days Off

Buddha’s Parinirvana is a public holiday in Bhutan, and most citizens have the day off to attend religious ceremonies or engage in spiritual activities. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, allowing people to observe the day according to their religious practices.

Paro Tsechu (March/April)

Overview

Paro Tsechu is one of Bhutan’s most important religious festivals, held annually in the Paro Valley. It celebrates the life of Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Bhutanese Buddhism. The festival is celebrated with grand displays of religious rituals, dances, and performances, making it one of the most significant cultural events in Bhutan.

Celebrations

Paro Tsechu is marked by colorful religious dances known as “cham,” performed by monks and laypeople. These dances symbolize the victory of good over evil and are accompanied by prayers and rituals. The highlight of the festival is the unfurling of a large thangka, a sacred religious tapestry, at the Paro Dzong (fortress), which attracts large crowds. Bhutanese families attend the festival, and many people travel from across the country to witness the grand event.

Days Off

Paro Tsechu is a public holiday in Bhutan, and people from the Paro region have the day off to attend the festival. Government offices, schools, and businesses in the Paro area close for the event. People from other regions may also take time off to travel to Paro and participate in the celebrations.

Thimphu Tsechu (September/October)

Overview

Thimphu Tsechu is another major religious and cultural festival in Bhutan. It is held annually in Thimphu, the capital city, and is celebrated with grand ceremonies and religious dances. The festival is dedicated to the teachings of Guru Rinpoche and marks the spiritual importance of his role in Bhutanese Buddhism.

Celebrations

Thimphu Tsechu features colorful cham dances, prayers, and religious ceremonies that are performed by monks and laypeople. The highlight of the event is the unveiling of large thangkas and other sacred artifacts. People gather at the Tashichho Dzong, the main venue for the festival, to watch the performances and participate in the rituals. The festival is not only a religious event but also a celebration of Bhutanese culture, with local food, crafts, and music available for attendees.

Days Off

Thimphu Tsechu is a public holiday in Bhutan, and citizens in Thimphu receive the day off to attend the festival. Government offices, schools, and businesses in Thimphu close for the event, and many people from other parts of the country also travel to the capital to experience the celebrations.

Desi’s Death Anniversary (March 17)

Overview

Desi’s Death Anniversary commemorates the death of the first Desi (secular ruler) of Bhutan, Jigme Namgyel, who ruled in the early 17th century. His reign marked the unification of Bhutan, and this day honors his legacy and contribution to the establishment of the modern nation of Bhutan.

Celebrations

Desi’s Death Anniversary is marked by religious ceremonies and prayers, which focus on honoring the memory of Jigme Namgyel and his contribution to Bhutan’s history. Monasteries and temples across the country may hold special rituals, and the day is also marked by discussions on the historical significance of Bhutan’s early rulers. It is a day for reflection on Bhutan’s past, particularly its development into a unified kingdom.

Days Off

Desi’s Death Anniversary is a public holiday in Bhutan, and most citizens are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and people observe the day with prayers, historical reflection, and spiritual activities.

Tashichhodzong Day (October 18)

Overview

Tashichhodzong Day is a public holiday that marks the founding of Tashichhodzong, the main seat of the Bhutanese government. This fortress, located in Thimphu, has a deep cultural and historical significance, and the day is observed to commemorate its importance in Bhutan’s governance.

Celebrations

Tashichhodzong Day is celebrated with religious and ceremonial events that reflect the historical importance of the dzong in Bhutanese governance. The King may give a special speech, and there are traditional prayers and religious observances throughout the day. The day also includes cultural events and celebrations that highlight the importance of Tashichhodzong as a symbol of Bhutanese unity.

Days Off

Tashichhodzong Day is a public holiday in Bhutan, and most citizens are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and citizens observe the holiday with religious ceremonies or enjoy their day off.

Table: Public Holidays in Bhutan and Days Off

Holiday Date Days Off Groups of People Recognized
New Year’s Day January 1 1 day off All citizens
National Day December 17 1 day off All citizens
The King’s Birthday February 21 1 day off All citizens
Buddha’s Parinirvana April/May 1 day off Buddhist citizens
Paro Tsechu March/April 1 day off Paro residents and festival goers
Thimphu Tsechu September/October 1 day off Thimphu residents and festival goers
Desi’s Death Anniversary March 17 1 day off All citizens
Tashichhodzong Day October 18 1 day off All citizens

Bhutan Public Holidays