Bhutan is considered a small nation in the Himalayan mountains. It has many old traditions and a rich culture. There will be several public holidays in Bhutan in 2025.
These are special days off from work and school. The holidays allow people to celebrate Buddhist festivals and important events from history. These special days will enable you to take part in Bhutan’s unique way of life.
If you plan to visit Bhutan next year or want to learn more, this blog is for you. It will tell you the dates and meanings behind the holidays and how people celebrate them.
Public Holidays In Bhutan In 2025
In 2025, there will be a total of 17 public holidays in Bhutan, with five falling on weekends: Saturday or Sunday.
Winter Solstice (Nyilo)
The Winter Solstice (Nyilo) is the shortest day of the year and marks the start of winter. Bhutanese people think it marks the beginning of the sun’s journey toward warmer weather and longer days. Families get together to pray for a good crop and safety in the coming year. It also performs rituals and makes offerings to local gods.
Traditional Day of Offerings
On this day, Bhutanese people give gifts to local deities, spirits, and other supernatural beings they think live in nature. They offer food, drinks, and other things to ask for gifts, protection, and luck. It means keeping in tune with the natural forces that can’t be seen.
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King’s Birthday
It is a holiday to honor the birthday of Bhutan’s current King or queen. People respect the King because he protects the country’s unique culture, traditions, and beliefs. As part of the celebrations, the national flag is raised. The cultural shows are put on, and thanks are given to the King for leading and serving the people.
Losar New Year
Losar is the traditional Bhutanese New Year, beginning a new lunar cycle. It is a time for renewal, forgiveness, and starting fresh. Families clean their homes, wear new clothes, and enjoy festive meals. Religious ceremonies, dances, and games are held to welcome the new year with positivity and joy.
Birthday of 3rd Druk Gyalpo
It is a holiday to honor Jigme Dorji Wangchuck’s birthday. He was the third King of Bhutan. People remember him for his work to modernize Bhutan while protecting its rich traditional heritage and the environment. Cultural shows and speeches honoring his services to the country’s growth are part of the celebrations.
Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung
It is the anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s death. He was a Buddhist lama who united Bhutan in the 1600s and established a unique religious and government leadership system. People pray, do rituals, and hold ceremonies to honor his memory. They also ask for his blessings on the country’s ongoing success.
Buddha’s Parinirvana
On this holiday, people remember the day that Buddha reached Parinirvana, which means he was freed from the cycle of rebirth and misery for good. On this day, Buddhists in Bhutan pray, meditate, and think about the Buddha’s lessons of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
Guru Rinpoche, whose name was Padmasambhava, was the master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. This day is honored as his birthday. People respect his teachings and ask for blessings. Rituals, prayers, and ceremonies strengthen their spiritual ties with the Buddhist faith.
First Sermon of Lord Buddha
This holiday celebrates the first teachings given by the Buddha after attaining enlightenment. It marks the establishment of the Buddhist doctrine and the founding of the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic order. Bhutanese Buddhists observe this day with prayers, rituals, and teachings to honor the Buddha’s wisdom and the gift of the Dharma.
Blessed Rainy Day
Since this is Bhutan’s first day of the annual rainy season, it is a good time to do spiritual activities. Bhutanese Buddhists think that doing good things during this time increases the credit you get. People pray, meditate, and go on spiritual vacations to become more compassionate and clear-headed.
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Dassain
In Bhutan, people enjoy Dassain, a big Hindu holiday. It means that God has won over evil. People gather with their families, put on traditional shows, and ask elders for blessings. As a sign of unity and peace, Hindus in Bhutan celebrate this holiday with rituals, prayers, and sharing traditional foods and gifts.
Druk Gyalpo Coronation Anniversary
This holiday marks the coronation anniversary of Bhutan’s reigning Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). It is a day to honor the King’s leadership, show loyalty, and reinforce the country’s commitment to preserving its unique culture and values. People celebrate with cultural shows, speeches, and expressions of gratitude.
Birthday of the 4th Druk Gyalpo
This day honors the birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan. He is remembered for his visionary leadership, efforts in modernizing the country while preserving its environment and cultural heritage, and introduction of the concept of Gross National Happiness as a measure of development.
Descending Day of Lord Buddha
This holiday celebrates the day the Buddha came down from the heavens after teaching his mother and other spiritual beings his teachings (the Dharma). Bhutanese Buddhists observe this day with prayers, rituals, and listening to teachings. They honor the Buddha’s kindness and mission to share the path to enlightenment with all.
National Day
National Day is an important holiday in Bhutan, celebrating freedom and self-rule. It marks the beginning of the monarchy and the nation’s unification under the Wangchuck dynasty’s leadership. People celebrate with cultural shows, parades, and expressions of love for their country and pride in their heritage.
The list of the holidays in Bhutan in 2025 is mentioned below.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| Winter Solstice (Nyilo) | Jan 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| Traditional Day of Offerings | Jan 30, 2025 | Thursday |
| King’s Birthday | Feb 21, 2025 | Friday |
| King’s Birthday Holiday | Feb 22, 2025 | Saturday |
| King’s Birthday Holiday | Feb 23, 2025 | Sunday |
| Losar New Year | Feb 28, 2025 | Friday |
| Losar New Year Holiday | Mar 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Birthday of 3rd Druk Gyalpo | May 02, 2025 | Friday |
| Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung | May 07, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Buddha’s Parinirvana | Jun 11, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche | Jun 15, 2025 | Sunday |
| First Sermon of Lord Buddha | Jul 28, 2025 | Monday |
| Blessed Rainy Day | Sep 23, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Dassain | Oct 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| Druk Gyalpo Coronation Anniversary | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Birthday of the 4th Druk Gyalpo | Nov 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Descending Day of Lord Buddha | Nov 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| National Day | Dec 17, 2025 | Wednesday |