Table of Contents
Imagine a world where you could take a break from your busy life every few weeks, not just for a weekend but a day of celebration and relaxation. This is a reality in some countries, with many public holidays yearly. These special days, from ancient religious festivals to modern celebrations of freedom, bring people together and offer a much-needed escape from everyday stress. Read this article to discover the top 15 countries prioritizing relaxation and celebration.
1. Nepal
2. Myanmar
3. Iran
4..Sri Lanka
5. Bangladesh
6. Egypt
7. India
8. Malaysia
9. Cambodia
10. Liechtenstein
1- Nepal
Nepal, a small country between the Himalayas and the plains of the Indian subcontinent, is known for its beauty and rich culture. It is also famous for having an impressive number of public holidays.
Nepal holds the record for the most public holidays in the world, celebrating 39 holidays each year.
Nepal’s many holidays are due to its rich religious and cultural heritage. As a mainly Hindu and Buddhist country, Nepal celebrates numerous festivals yearly.
These holidays pause daily life, bringing people together to celebrate and foster community.
2- Myanmar
Myanmar has 32 public holidays each year. One of the most important is the Thingyan Water Festival, marking the traditional New Year. During this four-day celebration, people gather to wash away their sins and welcome the new year with water fights, music, and dancing.
Another key holiday is Myanmar Independence Day, which celebrated the country’s independence from British rule in 1948. The day features parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by public officials.
3- Iran
Iran, a Muslim country, has 26 public holidays each year. These holidays, which combine religious and national celebrations, reflect the country’s strong Islamic and national identity.
The Islamic New Year, known as Nowruz, is the most important holiday in Iran. Another key holiday is Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Iran also observes several national holidays, such as Iranian Revolution Day, which solemnly commemorates the 1979 revolution that replaced the monarchy with the Islamic Republic.
4- Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, 25 public holidays are celebrated yearly, featuring a mix of Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu festivities.
One of the most important holidays is the Sinhalese New Year, called Aluth Avurudda, which marks the start of the new year on the Sinhalese calendar.
Another key holiday is the Buddhist New Year, known as Wesak, celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
Sri Lanka also observes several Christian holidays, including Christmas and Easter, which are celebrated by the country’s Christian minority, making up about 7% of the population.
5- Bangladesh
Bangladesh, rich in religious and cultural traditions, has 22 public holidays yearly.
The most significant holiday is Eid al-Fitr, followed by Eid al-Adha, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah.
Independence Day is also a key holiday, celebrating Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan in 1971.
6- Egypt
The people of Egypt enjoy 22 public holidays each year. These holidays reflect a blend of Islamic and Christian traditions, creating a diverse calendar of celebrations.
Islamic holidays, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi), are widely observed across Egypt.
In addition to Islamic holidays, Egypt also celebrates Christian holidays and national events like Revolution Day on July 23rd, which commemorates the 1952 overthrow of the monarchy.
7- India
India’s public holidays reflect its rich heritage, religious traditions, and historical importance. The country celebrates 21 public holidays each year.
Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Dussehra are public holidays observed nationwide. The Muslim community in India also celebrates important Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Additionally, India commemorates national events like Independence Day on August 15th and Republic Day on January 26th, which honor the country’s freedom struggle and the adoption of its constitution.
8- Malaysia
Malaysia’s public holidays highlight the country’s recognition and celebration of various religious festivals, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
Significant Islamic holidays in Malaysia include Hari Raya Aidilfitri, marking the end of Ramadan, and Hari Raya Haji, celebrating the Hajj pilgrimage.
Important Hindu festivals like Thaipusam, Deepavali, and Wesak are public holidays. Additionally, Malaysia observes Buddhist holidays such as Vesak Day and Christian holidays like Christmas and Good Friday.
Malaysia recognizes 21 public holidays yearly, though the number can vary from 21 to 25 depending on state authorities.
9- Cambodia
Cambodia has 21 public holidays. Major holidays are based on Buddhist festivals, such as Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), Pchum Ben, and Visak Bochea.
Khmer New Year, which marks the end of the harvest season, is a time for family reunions. Pchum Ben is a solemn holiday dedicated to honoring deceased relatives with offerings and prayers. Visak Bochea commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.
Another important public holiday in Cambodia is Independence Day on November 9th.
10- Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein celebrates 20 public holidays yearly, reflecting its cultural, historical, and religious significance.
The most notable holiday is National Day on August 15th, celebrating Prince Johann I’s birthday, who unified the principality in 1719.
Religious holidays are also significant in Liechtenstein. Public holidays include Christmas, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday, all following the Christian calendar.
Conclusion
In 2024, various countries offer a wealth of public holidays, reflecting their rich cultural, religious, and historical diversity. From Nepal’s impressive 39 holidays to Liechtenstein’s 20, these nations provide ample opportunities for relaxation, celebration, and community bonding. Whether through religious festivals, national commemorations, or cultural events, these public holidays highlight each country’s unique traditions and values, ensuring that there is always something to look forward to throughout the year. Embrace these breaks and make the most of the time to connect with loved ones and appreciate the diverse traditions around the world.
FAQs
Q1: Which country has the most public holidays in 2024?
Ans: Cambodia tops the list with 28 public holidays scheduled for 2024.
Q2: What country has the second most public holidays in 2024?
Ans: Sri Lanka ranks second with 25 public holidays in 2024.
Q3: How many public holidays does India have in 2024?
Ans: India has 21 public holidays planned for 2024.
Q4: Which countries will follow India regarding public holidays in 2024?
Ans: Colombia ranks fourth with 20 public holidays, followed closely by the Philippines with 19.
Q5: Which country in Asia has the highest number of public holidays in 2024?
Ans: Cambodia leads in Asia with 28 public holidays in 2024.
Q6: What is the average number of public holidays globally?
Ans: The average varies widely, but many countries typically have 10 to 15 public holidays annually.
Q7: Do these numbers include regional or state-specific holidays?
Ans: These numbers include nationwide and regional holidays, depending on the country’s regulations.
Q8: Does the law regulate public holidays in these countries?
Ans: Yes, most countries have laws that govern the observance of public holidays, which may vary in their significance and observance.
Q9: Do public holidays affect business operations in these countries?
Ans: Public holidays often lead to closures of businesses and government offices, with some exceptions in essential services.
Q10: How do public holidays impact tourism in these countries?
Ans: Public holidays can significantly impact tourism by influencing travel patterns and the availability of services during peak holiday periods.