Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana 2025, 2026 and 2027 in Bhutan

Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana is a national public holiday in the overwhelmingly Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. And in fact, this holiday ranks as one of the most celebrated days of the year in the country.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2025	11 Jun	Wed	Lord Buddha's Parinirvana
2026	31 May	Sun	Lord Buddha's Parinirvana
2027	20 May	Thu	Lord Buddha's Parinirvana
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana always falls on day 15 of month four on Bhutan’s traditional calendar, but its date varies on the Gregorian Calendar. Often it lands sometime in May or June.

The basis for the holiday is the Buddhist belief that it was on this day, many centuries ago, that Buddha gained enlightenment and achieved “nirvana”. Buddhists believe that their great leader was born on this day as well.

For Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana, many in Bhutan will go on pilgrimage to various Buddhist holy sites and temples to pray there and seek a blessing. Religious idols and relics will also be put on display to bestow a blessing, and many in Thimphu will gather at the Buddhist monastery and fortress of Tashichhodzong.

Previous Years

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2024	23 May	Thu	Lord Buddha's Parinirvana
2023	4 Jun	Sun	Lord Buddha's Parinirvana