Public holidays in Bhutan

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Public holidays in Bhutan consist of both national holidays and local festivals or tshechus . While national holidays are observed throughout Bhutan, tsechus are only observed in their areas. [1] Bhutan uses its own calendar, [2] a variant of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar. Because it is a lunisolar calendar, dates of some national holidays and most tshechus change from year to year. For example, the new year, Losar, generally falls between February and March.

Contents

National holidays

Bhutan has sixteen public holidays. [1] 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. [3]

Winter solstice

Nyilo (Dzongkha : ཉི་ལོག, Wylie : nyi log "return of the sun"), [4] the winter solstice celebration in Bhutan, is a public holiday. [1] [5] Nyinlog is considered the most auspicious day of the year. [4] It is celebrated like new year among some western Bhutan, though more so in the central and eastern regions, where the shortest day of the year is marked with archery and feasting. [5] Farmers, on the other hand, may feel some chagrin as the solstice signals longer and longer work days ahead. [6]

Traditional Day of Offering

The Traditional Day of Offering [1] (Dzongkha: buelwa phuewi nyim) is a holiday usually falling in January or February, on the 1st day of the 12th month of the calendar. [7] The main purpose behind this holiday is to give thanks to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. [8] It also focuses on charity, particularly feeding others, and recreation. [6] The day is celebrated with feasting and traditional sports, including archery, digor, and khuru (darts). [7] This holiday may have originally begun as a Bhutanese new year celebration. [9]

Losar

Losar (Dzongkha ལོ་གསར་, Wylie : lo gsar), 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. [1] Festivities last 15 days, ahead of which people spend much time preparing food and alcohol and cleaning their homes of old and unused objects. [10] [11] In Bhutan, different communities celebrate Losar at slightly different times and refer to the holiday by particular local names. [9] The common Losar greeting is "Losartashi 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. [1]

Zhabdrung Kuchoe

Zhabdrung Kurchoe [1] marks the passing of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651 at Punakha Dzong. It generally falls in April or May (4th month, 10th day of the calendar). The holiday is a national day of mourning. [12]

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). [1] [12]

The day is also celebrated as Teacher's day throughout the country. The day sees students coordinating various programs at schools and institution showing gratitude to their teachers. Students gift cards to Teachers, while some students substitute their teachers in class to give them a time-out. The day also constitute cultural programs showcasing various dance and song items focusing on teachers and their contributions. The day usually ends with a common meal for the entire school or institution.

Coronation of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

June 2 is the coronation day of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th Druk Gyalpo (1974). [1] It also doubles as Social Forestry Day, where children plant trees. [12]

Lord Buddha's Parinirvana

Lord Buddha's Parinirvana Day or Duechen Nga Zom is observed on the 15th day of the 4th month of Bhutanese calendar. On this day, Lord Buddha was conceived, born, subdued evil, gained enlightenment and attained Nirvana. The day is considered as one of the most auspicious days for Buddhists and is a public holiday in Bhutan. [13]

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. [14]

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. [15]

Blessed Rainy Day

Blessed Rainy Day [1] (Dzongkha: thruebab) generally falls in September, and is held on an auspicious day during monsoon season. The traditional holiday has not always been a public holiday, but was rather recently reinstated to official status. [16] 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. [17]

Dashain

Dashain, the main Nepalese (and Hindu festival, falls on October 6. [1] [18] During this holiday, houses are cleaned and replastered, gifts are exchanged, and families gather. [6] Dashain has been a public holiday in Bhutan. [19]

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). [6]

Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

November 11 marks the birth anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th Druk Gyalpo (b. 1955, Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu). [6] The holiday is also called Constitution Day; under this king and at his behest, the Constitution of Bhutan was enacted.

Lhabab Duchen

Lhabab Duchen or Descending Day of Lord Buddha is a public holiday [1] observed on 22nd day of the 9th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar. Lhabab Duchen marks Gautama Buddha's return to Earth after attaining Nirvana. In the eastern regions of Bhutan, the holiday is a popular occasion for performing Lhasoel, which are religious offerings in the form of ara (traditional wine), blessings, and supplications. [20]

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. [21] 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. [22] [23] [24]

Other Major Festivals

These are other major festive celebrations in Bhutan that are not part of the national public holidays.

Ngenpa Gudzom

Ngenpa Gudzom is one of the major festive events in the Bhutanese calendar usually observed on the 7th day of the 11th Bhutanese month annually. [25] The day is considered the most inauspicious day on the Bhutanese calendar. [26] It is widely celebrated by the people of central and eastern regions of Bhutan. [27] Nyenpa Guzom or The Meeting of Nine Evils is not a public holiday in Bhutan. The day was removed from the national holiday list in 2007. [28]

Tsechus

Paro Tsechu.jpg
Paro tsechu
Second day opening session, Paro tsechu Part of the day 2 opening session, Paro Tsechu.jpg
Second day opening session, Paro tsechu
Dance of the Lord of Death, Paro Dance of the Lord of Death (Paro, Bhutan).jpg
Dance of the Lord of Death, Paro
Masked cham dancers, Wangdue Phodrang tsechu Tsechu cham.jpg
Masked cham dancers, Wangdue Phodrang tsechu

Numerous tsechus, or festivals, take place for up to five days each at different locales across Bhutan. These usually feature large-scale pageantry and costumes, allegorical dances, archery, and music. [3] These festivals are centuries-old traditions functioning not only as links to the past but also attract large numbers of tourists. [29]

Below is a list of major tsechus in Bhutan, along with their 2011 dates. Dates in other years will vary.

Bhutan tsechu dates (2019) [30]
DateTsechuLocation
January 2–04Trongsa Tsechu Trongsa
January 2–04Lhuntse Tsechu Lhuntse
January 2–04Pemagatshel Tsechu Pemagatshel
January 9Shingkhar Metochodpa Bumthang
January 9–13Nabji Lhakhang Drup Trongsa
February 10–15Punakha Dromache & Tshechu Punakha
February 17–21Tangsibi Mani Bumthang
February 18Chorten Kora Trashiyangtse
February 18Tharpaling Thongdrol Bumthang
February 19–21Buli Mani Chumey Bumthang
February–March
(1st month, 7th day)		Trashiyangtse Tsechu Trashiyangtse
March 4Chorten Kora (2nd) Trashiyangtse
March 13–15Gomkora Trashigang
March 13–15Talo TsechuTalo, Punakha
March 13–16Zhemgang Tsechu Zhemgang
March 15–19Paro Tshechu Paro
March 17–19Chhukha Tshechu Chukha
April 1–03Gaden Chodpa Ura, Bumthang
May 12–14Domkhar Festival Chhume, Bumthang
May 14–18Ura Yakchoe Ura, Bumthang
June 19–21Padsel–Ling Kuchod Bumthang
JuneLaya Bumkhosa Festival (Bongkor) Laya
July 8–10Nimalung Tshechu Bumthang
July 9–10
does not move		Alpine Ha, Haa
July 10Kurjey Tshechu Bumthang
July 29Gangte Kurim Gangte, Wangdue Phodrang
October 1–05Thimphu Drupchen Thimphu
October 4–06Wangdue Tsechu Wangdue Phodrang
October 4–06Gangte Drubchen & Tsechu Gangte, Wangdue Phodrang
October 6–08Tamshingphala Choepa Bumthang
October 6–08Gasa Tsechu District Gasa
October 6–08Thimphu Tshechu Thimphu
October 10–12Thangbi Mani Bumthang
November 1–05Shingkhar Rabney Ura, Bumthang
November 3–06Jakar Tsechu Jakar, Bumthang
November 10–14Jambay Lakhang Drup Bumthang
November 11–13Prakhar Duchoed Bumthang
November 12
does not move		Black Necked Crane Festival Gangte, Wangdue Phodrang
November 22–25Sumdrang Kangsol Ura, Bumthang
December 2–05Trashigang Tsechu Trashigang
December 2–05Mongar Tsechu Mongar
December 3–04Tang Namkha Rabney Tang Bumthang
December 10Singye Cham, Jambay Lhakhang Bumthang
December 10–12Nalakhar Tsechu Bumthang
December 10–13Chojam Rabney Tang Bumthang

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Public Holidays for the year 2011". Royal Civil Service Commission, Government of Bhutan. 2011-04-26. Archived from the original on 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2011-07-26.
  2. ↑ Henning, E. (2010-02-05). "Bhutanese Calendar". Kalacakra online. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
  3. 1 2 Bhutan Foreign Policy and Government Guide. World Foreign Policy and Government Library. Vol. 20. International Business Publications. 2000. pp. 46–47. ISBN   0-7397-3719-8 . Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  4. 1 2 Wangchuk, Rinzin (2007-12-27). "Observing Ngenpa Guzom". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  5. 1 2 "Winter Solstice Holiday Resource". MarktheDay.com. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Holidays of Bhutan Fall/Winter". Far Flung Places & Bhutan Tourism Corporation. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2011-07-26.
  7. 1 2 "Traditional Day of Offering". Kuensel online. 2006-01-29. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  8. ↑ "Traditional Day of Offering". Bhutan Journals online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  9. 1 2 Namgyel, Tenzin (2010-01-17). "The Real Losar?". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  10. ↑ Tshering, Dechen (2011-01-06). "The Cooking Up". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  11. ↑ Dahal, Rabi C (2010-02-12). "Our Cousins in Losar Celebrations". Bhutan Observer online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  12. 1 2 3 "Holidays of Bhutan Spring/Summer". Far Flung Places & Bhutan Tourism Corporation. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2011-07-26.
  13. ↑ "Nation observes Lord Buddha's Parinirvana". BBSCL. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  14. ↑ "Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites". bhutanpilgrimage.com. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  15. ↑ "Drugpa Tshezhi and the Buddha's First Sermon". Kuensel Online. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
  16. ↑ Palden, Karma (2010-10-24). "Thrubab Brings Fields Alive". Bhutan Observer online. Archived from the original on 2012-04-03. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  17. ↑ Namgyal, Gembo (2010-09-25). "Bathing in Celestial Precipitation". Bhutan Observer online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  18. ↑ Bhandari, Achyut (2010-10-23). "The Significance of Dashain Festival". Bhutan Observer online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  19. ↑ "Bhutan Festivals". RAOnline. 2011-06-17. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  20. ↑ Namgyal, Gyembo (2010-01-19). "It is Lhasoel Time in the East". Bhutan Observer online. Archived from the original on 2011-01-20. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  21. ↑ "The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan (Art. 1)" (PDF). Government of Bhutan. 2008-07-18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  22. ↑ "National Day Celebrations". Bhutan Broadcasting Service. 2010-12-17. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  23. ↑ Tenzin, Ugyen (2009-12-19). "December 17, the Essence". Bhutan Observer online. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  24. ↑ "National Day of Bhutan". Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation online. 2010-12-16. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  25. ↑ "Ngenpa Gudzom: The Day of Nine Evils | Mandala Collections - Texts". texts.mandala.library.virginia.edu. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
  26. ↑ "Many Bhutanese observe Ngyenpa Guzom". BBSCL. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
  27. ↑ "RAOnline Bhutan: Bhutanese Culture - The most inauspicious of days on the Bhutanese calendar: Ngenpa Guzom - Khuru". www.raonline.ch. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
  28. ↑ "Ngyenpa Guzom today". Kuensel Online. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
  29. ↑ Lorie, Jonathan; Sohanpaul, Amy, eds. (2006). The Traveler's Handbook: The Insider's Guide to World Travel. Traveler's Handbook Series (9 ed.). Globe Pequot. p. 206. ISBN   0-7627-4090-6 . Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  30. ↑ "Festival Dates". Vivaan Adventure Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 2019-12-08.
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