Public Holidays in Bhutan

Bhutan has several public holidays that reflect its rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage. The public holidays in Bhutan are deeply tied to Buddhist traditions and national events. Here are the main public holidays in Bhutan:

1. National Day (December 17)

This holiday marks the coronation of Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907. It is celebrated across the country with official ceremonies, parades, and cultural programs.

2. Losar (Bhutanese New Year)

Losar is the Bhutanese New Year and one of the most significant holidays. It is celebrated at different times depending on the region, but the most widely observed Losar falls in February or March, based on the lunar calendar. Festivities include feasts, prayers, and family gatherings.

3. Blessed Rainy Day (September)

This day, known as Thrue Bab, marks the end of the monsoon season. Bhutanese people believe that on this day, all natural water sources are blessed and cleansed. People take ritual baths, and it’s a day for picnics and family gatherings.

4. Buddha Parinirvana (May)

This day celebrates the death and enlightenment (Parinirvana) of Buddha. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist holidays and is observed with prayers and offerings in monasteries and temples.

5. The King’s Birth Anniversary (February 21)

This holiday celebrates the birth anniversary of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the current king of Bhutan. It’s a day of national pride, with ceremonies, cultural programs, and sporting events held throughout the country.

6. Coronation Day of the Fifth King (November 1)

This holiday celebrates the coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, which took place in 2008. It is marked by ceremonies and public celebrations.

7. Drukpa Tshechi (August)

This holiday commemorates the first sermon of Lord Buddha at Sarnath, India. It’s observed with religious ceremonies and prayers in monasteries across Bhutan.

8. Thimphu Tshechu (October)

Tshechus are religious festivals held in honor of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in the country, featuring masked dances and traditional performances. Many towns and villages have their own Tshechus at various times throughout the year.

9. Dashain and Diwali

Bhutan has a small Hindu population, mainly in the southern regions, where Hindu holidays like Dashain and Diwali are celebrated as public holidays.

10. Zhabdrung Kuchoe (April)

This holiday honors Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. It commemorates the day of his death and is observed with prayers and ceremonies at monasteries.

11. Blessed Rainy Day (September)

This holiday marks the end of the monsoon season. It is a time for outdoor feasts, family gatherings, and cleansing baths, as it is believed that the rainwater on this day is holy.

These holidays are observed with public ceremonies, religious rituals, and family celebrations. The dates of some holidays, particularly those based on the lunar calendar, may vary from year to year.