2025 Holidays - Bhutan

Bhutan Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

- On a Sunday: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed on that day, with no automatic substitution to the following Monday. This practice underscores the cultural and religious significance of observing holidays on their designated dates.

- On a Saturday: Similarly, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday, it remains observed on that day with no provision for an alternative day off.

2. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- Bhutan does not have a formal system of bridge holidays.

- However, employers may, at their discretion, offer additional days off to create long weekends, especially if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.

- Such arrangements are typically made internally within organizations and are not mandated by national law.

3. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Lunar Calendar-Based Holidays: Many of Bhutan's public holidays are based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar, leading to variations in dates each year. For example, Losar, the Bhutanese New Year, generally falls between February and March. [Wikipedia]

- Local Tshechus: These are major religious festivals held annually in various districts, featuring traditional mask dances and rituals. While national holidays are observed throughout Bhutan, tshechus are specific to their regions. Gewogs (administrative units) are permitted to declare a one-day holiday for their local tshechus, while the holiday structure for Dzongkhag-level (district) tshechus remains unchanged. [Bhutan Today]

4. Additional Notes

- Public Holiday Calendar: The government of Bhutan typically releases an official list of public holidays each year, specifying the exact dates, especially for movable feasts. [Office Holidays]

- Employer Policies: While national laws provide the framework for public holidays, individual employers may have specific policies regarding holiday observance, especially concerning compensation for work performed on public holidays.

- Cultural Observance: Given Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage, public holidays play a crucial role in the nation's social and cultural life, with many citizens participating in various traditional ceremonies and festivities.