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Picture a world where, every few weeks, you could step away from the hustle—not just for a weekend, but for a day filled with joy and rest. In several countries, this is more than a dream, thanks to their generous number of public holidays each year. These occasions—ranging from ancient religious traditions to modern celebrations of liberty—not only unite communities but also provide a vital pause from daily stress. Dive into this article to explore the top 15 countries that truly value relaxation and celebration.
1- Nepal
- Nestled between the towering Himalayas and the plains of the Indian subcontinent, Nepal is celebrated not only for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its remarkable number of public holidays.
- Holding the world record with 39 public holidays annually, Nepal stands out as the country with the most official days off.
- This abundance of holidays stems from Nepal’s diverse religious and cultural traditions. With strong roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, the nation observes a wide variety of festivals throughout the year.
- These special days offer more than just rest—they bring communities together, pausing daily routines to celebrate unity, spirituality, and shared joy.
2- Myanmar
- Myanmar observes an impressive 32 public holidays each year. Among the most significant is the Thingyan Water Festival, a vibrant four-day celebration that marks the traditional New Year. During this lively event, people come together to symbolically cleanse away sins and welcome the new year through joyful water fights, music, and dancing.
- Another notable holiday is Myanmar Independence Day, commemorating the nation’s liberation from British rule in 1948. The occasion is marked with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and speeches from government leaders, celebrating the country’s journey to sovereignty.
3- Iran
- Iran, an Islamic nation, observes 26 public holidays annually, blending religious traditions and national pride to reflect its deep-rooted Islamic and cultural heritage.
- The most significant celebration is Nowruz, the Islamic New Year, which holds great cultural and spiritual importance. Another major observance is Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting and reflection.
- Iran also honours important national events, including Iranian Revolution Day, which solemnly commemorates the 1979 revolution that transformed the nation from a monarchy into an Islamic Republic.
4- Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka celebrates 25 public holidays each year, showcasing a rich blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian traditions.
- One of the most significant celebrations is the Sinhalese New Year, known as Aluth Avurudda, which marks the beginning of the Sinhalese calendar year and is deeply rooted in cultural rituals.
- Another major holiday is Wesak, the Buddhist New Year, which honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha—a spiritually significant event for the country’s Buddhist majority.
- Sri Lanka also recognizes important Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, observed by the Christian minority, which accounts for around 7% of the population, reflecting the nation’s religious diversity.
5- Bangladesh
- Bangladesh, a country steeped in religious and cultural heritage, observes 22 public holidays each year.
- The most prominent celebration is Eid al-Fitr, followed closely by Eid al-Adha, which honours Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah.
- Another major national event is Independence Day, which commemorates Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971, marking a defining moment in the country’s history.
6- Egypt
- The people of Egypt enjoy 22 public holidays each year, showcasing a rich tapestry of Islamic and Christian traditions, along with important national milestones.
- Major Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) are widely honoured throughout the country.
- Alongside these religious observances, Christian festivals and key national holidays like Revolution Day on July 23rd—marking the 1952 revolution that ended the monarchy—also play a significant role in Egypt’s festive calendar.
7- India
- India’s public holidays highlight its diverse cultural heritage, religious customs, and historical significance. Each year, the nation observes 21 public holidays, reflecting unity in diversity.
- Prominent Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Dussehra are celebrated across the country and are recognized as official holidays. The Muslim community also marks major occasions like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, adding to the festive spirit.
- In addition to religious observances, India honours key national milestones like Independence Day on August 15th and Republic Day on January 26th, celebrating the country’s struggle for freedom and the foundation of its constitution.
8- Malaysia
- Malaysia’s public holidays reflect its commitment to honouring the religious and cultural diversity of its population, celebrating festivals from Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
- Among the most notable Islamic holidays are Hari Raya Aidilfitri, marking the end of Ramadan, and Hari Raya Haji, which celebrates the sacred Hajj pilgrimage.
- The country also recognizes key Hindu festivals such as Thaipusam, Deepavali, and Wesak, alongside Buddhist observances like Vesak Day and Christian celebrations including Christmas and Good Friday.
- While Malaysia typically observes 21 public holidays annually, the total may vary—ranging from 21 to 25 days—based on the state-level declarations across the nation.
9- Cambodia
- Cambodia observes 21 public holidays each year, with many rooted in Buddhist traditions such as Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), Pchum Ben, and Visak Bochea.
- The Khmer New Year, marking the end of the harvest season, is a festive time centered around family gatherings and celebration. Pchum Ben is a more solemn occasion, where people honor their ancestors with prayers and offerings. Visak Bochea is a sacred day that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
- In addition to religious festivals, Cambodia also celebrates Independence Day on November 9th, marking the nation’s freedom from French colonial rule.
10- Liechtenstein
- Liechtenstein observes 20 public holidays each year, honouring its cultural heritage, historical milestones, and religious traditions.
- The most prominent celebration is National Day on August 15th, which commemorates the birthday of Prince Johann I, credited with uniting the principality in 1719.
- Religious observances play a vital role in the country’s holiday calendar, with key Christian holidays such as Christmas, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday recognized as official public holidays.
Conclusion
In 2024, countries around the world continue to showcase their vibrant cultural, religious, and historical diversity through a wide range of public holidays. From Nepal’s remarkable 39 holidays to Liechtenstein’s 20, these observances offer plenty of chances for rest, celebration, and strengthening community ties.
Whether it’s religious festivals, national milestones, or cultural celebrations, each holiday reflects the distinct values and traditions of a nation. These special days ensure there’s always something meaningful to look forward to. So, take time to cherish these moments, reconnect with loved ones, and explore the rich tapestry of global traditions.
