Bhutan Public Holidays
Discover upcoming public holiday dates for Bhutan and start planning to make the most of your time off.
The Labour and Employment Act of 2007 establishes employment and labour regulations in Bhutan, including entitlement to paid holidays and annual leave. The majority of public holidays in Bhutan are based on traditional Asian religious and cultural observances. All employees are entitled to a minimum of nine paid holidays per year including the Birthday of His Majesty the King and National Day.
Holidays are paid at an employee’s regular salary. An employer may allow an employee to substitute a public holiday for another holiday. If an employee is requested to work on a nationally recognized holiday, compensation is paid at normal wages, in addition to a 50 percent bonus, which amounts to time and one-half.
Significant religious holidays include Lord Buddha’s Parinirvena, the Birthday of Guru Rinpoche and Durkpa Tshezhi, in honor of the first sermon delivered by Buddha, Dasham and the National Day of Bhutan. Buddhist spiritual observances and festivals are held throughout the country.
Time off for regional and territorial observances are at the discretion of the employer and subject to the terms of an employment contract or bargaining agreement.