How many holidays are there in Asia?
The list of Asian holidays includes widely celebrated festivals such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Ramadan & Eid, Lunar New Year, Holi, Golden Week, Songkran, and Vesak Day, among many others. Each Asian country has its own cultural and religious observances, ranging from Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian holidays to national independence and harvest festivals. For quick reference, here’s a snapshot:
- China: Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Golden Week
- India: Diwali, Holi, Independence Day, Eid
- Japan: Golden Week, Obon, Coming of Age Day
- Thailand: Songkran (Thai New Year), Loy Krathong
- Indonesia & Malaysia: Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha
- Buddhist Nations: Vesak Day, Magha Puja
Major Holidays Common Across Asia
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1) – Observed in most Asian countries.
- Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) – Celebrated in China, Vietnam (Tet), South Korea (Seollal), and across Southeast Asia.
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Observed in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Middle East.
- Diwali (Oct/Nov) – Celebrated in India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday, May) – Celebrated in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and other Buddhist nations.
- Christmas (Dec 25) – National holiday in the Philippines and widely celebrated in other countries.
List of Asian Holidays
China
- New Year’s Day
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
- Qingming Festival
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- National Day (Oct 1)
India
- Republic Day (Jan 26)
- Holi (March, date varies)
- Independence Day (Aug 15)
- Diwali (Oct/Nov)
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha
- Christmas (Dec 25)
(India also observes many state-level festivals like Onam, Pongal, Bihu, etc.)
Japan
- New Year’s Day
- Coming of Age Day (Jan)
- Golden Week (includes Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Children’s Day)
- Marine Day (July)
- Respect for the Aged Day (Sept)
- Emperor’s Birthday (Feb 23)
Indonesia
- New Year’s Day
- Nyepi (Balinese New Year)
- Good Friday
- Eid al-Fitr (2 days)
- Eid al-Adha
- Independence Day (Aug 17)
- Christmas
Thailand
- New Year’s Day
- Songkran Festival (Thai New Year, April)
- Coronation Day
- King’s Birthday
- Chulalongkorn Day
- Loy Krathong (Nov, cultural celebration)
Philippines
- New Year’s Day
- Holy Week (Maundy Thursday & Good Friday)
- Independence Day (June 12)
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha
- All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
- Christmas & Rizal Day (Dec 30)
| Country | Approx. No. of Holidays | Popular Examples |
|---|---|---|
| China | 11 | Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day |
| India | 20+ (varies by state) | Diwali, Holi, Eid, Independence Day |
| Japan | 16 | Golden Week, New Year’s Day, Respect for the Aged |
| Indonesia | 15 | Eid al-Fitr, Nyepi, Independence Day |
| Thailand | 16–18 | Songkran, Loy Krathong, King’s Birthday |
| Philippines | 18+ | Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Independence Day |
Note: Asia does not have one unified holiday calendar. Each country sets its own public holidays, but many celebrations—such as New Year, religious festivals, and independence days—are widely recognized across the continent.
Also see: List of Holidays in Europe