Bhutan has sixteen
public holidays. Bhutanese holidays are rooted in the
Drukpa Lineage of
Kagyu Buddhism, the
House of Wangchuck and the
Tibetan calendar. Even secular holidays, however, have a measure of religious overtone, as religious choreography and blessings mark these auspicious days.
Winter solstice Winter solstice celebration in
Bhutan known as Nyilo (, "return of the sun"), is a public holiday. Nyinlog is considered the most auspicious day of the year. It also focuses on charity, particularly feeding others, and recreation. The day is celebrated with feasting and traditional sports, including
archery,
digor, and
khuru (
darts). This holiday may have originally begun as a Bhutanese new year celebration.
Losar Dawa Dangpa
Losar (
Dzongkha , ), or simply
Dangpa losar, the Bhutanese New Year is celebrated on the 1st day of the 1st month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which usually falls between February and March. The common Losar greeting is "
Losar Tashi Delek."
Birthday of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck February 21–23 are holidays commemorating the birth anniversary of
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck the 5th and current
Druk Gyalpo.
Birthday of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck May 2 is the birth anniversary of
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck the 3rd
Druk Gyalpo, who began Bhutan's first steps toward modernization (b. 1928,
Thruepang Palace,
Trongsa).
Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche The Birth Anniversary of
Guru Rinpoche is observed on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Bhutanese calendar in Bhutan.
First Sermon of Lord Buddha The First Sermon of
Lord Buddha is observed on the 4th day of the 6th month of the Bhutanese calendar. It is also known as
Drugpa Tshezhi, and is one of the holiest days in the Buddhist calendar. On this day, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon or turned the first wheel of dharma at
Sarnath. Therefore, the day is also called
Chokhor Duechen. Blessed Rainy Day Blessed Rainy Day The event is marked by feasting, drinking alcohol, playing traditional sports, and
purification through washing. In some parts of
Pemagatshel, the traditional celebrations are more intense than those of even
Losar.
Dashain Dashain, the main
Nepalese (and
Hindu festival, falls on October 6. During this holiday, houses are cleaned and replastered, gifts are exchanged, and families gather.
Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck November 1 marks the coronation day of
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th and current
Druk Gyalpo (2008).
National Day of Bhutan The
National Day (Gyalyong Duechen) of Bhutan is December 17. The date marks the coronation of
Ugyen Wangchuck as the first
Druk Gyalpo of modern Bhutan. Celebrations are held at
Changlimithang Stadium, and include a public address by the Druk Gyalpo and a procession including a statue of
Ugyen Wangchuck to honor the first Druk Gyalpo and the independent Bhutanese nation. == Other Major Festivals ==