When you are planning your trip to Bhutan, it is a good idea to be aware of the Bhutanese national holidays. On these holidays, all the government offices and institutions are closed. Which means all the museums, banks, etc. are closed. But the good thing about these holidays is that since most of these holidays are religious holidays, there is always something happening in the dzongs and the temples and monasteries. It is a good opportunity to see the religion playing a big role in the daily lives of the people.
List of National Holidays for the Earth Female Ox Year, 2009
- This list of holidays is the National list. Some districts may have additional holidays.
| Festival | Dates (2009) |
|---|---|
| Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King | 21 – 23 February |
| Losar, Earth Female Ox Year | 25 – 26 February |
| Birth Anniversary of the 3rd Druk Gyalpo | 2 May |
| Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung (Zhabdrung Kuchoe) | 4 May |
| Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana | 7 June |
| Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche | 2 July |
| First Sermon of Lord Buddha | 25 July |
| Thimphu Drubchhen(Thimphu Only) | 24 September |
| Dasain | 28 September |
| Thimphu Tshechu(Thimphu Only) | 28 – 30 September |
| Coronation Day of the Druk Gyalpo | 6 November |
| Descending Day of Lord Buddha | 9 November |
| Birth Anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyalpo and Constitution Day | 11 November |
| National Day | 17 December |