Nepal often intrigues foreigners with its approach to public holidays. Unlike most countries where Sunday is a working day, Nepal’s schedule raises questions among visitors who spend a few days in the country.
Recent governments have also declared sudden public holidays to mark tragic events or the demise of prominent figures. Such practices prompt curiosity about how holidays are decided in Nepal.
The topic of public holidays has recently gained traction in domestic discussions. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai initiated a debate on social media, stating, “Nepal has too many public holidays; let’s reduce them.” Independent MP Amresh Kumar Singh echoed similar sentiments in the House of Representatives’ State Affairs and Good Governance Committee. He proposed that excessive holidays hinder effective governance and productivity, with civil servants essentially enjoying nearly two months off annually due to weekends and additional holidays declared by provincial and local governments.
With these discussions garnering media attention, this article attempts to explore Nepal’s public holiday system in a global context.
Are Public Holidays in Nepal Excessive?
Statistics suggest otherwise. Public holidays fall into two categories: weekend holidays and festival-related holidays. Nepal leads globally in celebrating festival holidays, but when combined with weekends, Nepal’s total public holidays are relatively low.
In 2080 BS, Nepal had 35 public holidays, including 27 for festivals and seven for other events. However, even with weekends included, Nepal’s total holidays are fewer than in Western countries, where festivals and celebrations account for 10–20 days annually. The additional two-day weekends in Western nations result in offices being closed far more often than in Nepal, allowing employees more time off.
For example, the United States has only 11 festival-related holidays annually but observes around 115 days off due to weekends. In contrast, Nepal’s current system includes 51–52 weekend days and 34–35 festival holidays, with 2–3 days added for sudden events, totaling about 90 days off annually—25 days fewer than the U.S. Nepal also falls short compared to Myanmar (45 fewer days), Iran and Sri Lanka (40 fewer days), India (36 fewer days), and China (nearly 30 fewer days).
The Weekend Holiday Debate
The concept of weekend holidays originated nearly a century ago when American automobile manufacturer Henry Ford reduced the workweek from six to five days in 1926. His son, Edsel Ford, stated in The New York Times: “Every individual needs more than one day a week for rest and leisure. To live meaningfully, one must have ample time to spend with family.”
Nepal briefly experimented with two-day weekends starting May 15, 2022, but rescinded the policy within a month, citing increased workload in offices and negligible savings in fuel consumption. Critics argue that expecting results within weeks was premature, and the policy lacked implementation in sectors beyond government offices.
Efforts for a five-day workweek in Nepal date back to the early 1990s when administrative reforms proposed reducing office days to conserve resources like electricity. Though implemented in some regions, the policy did not last. More recently, during the tenure of Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai, discussions resurfaced as part of Visit Nepal Year preparations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans, halting progress on the proposal.
Global Trends: Moving Toward Shorter Workweeks
While Nepal struggles with two-day weekends, the global discourse is shifting towards three- or even four-day weekends. In 1956, then-U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon announced plans for a four-day workweek to provide Americans with more family time. The concept gained momentum globally, with initiatives in the UK, Iceland, Spain, and Japan demonstrating positive outcomes in productivity and employee well-being.
For instance, a 2015–2019 study in Iceland revealed that shorter workweeks improved productivity and employee welfare. Similarly, Scotland and Spain have introduced pilot programs for reduced workweeks. In Japan, companies like Panasonic have embraced policies allowing employees to work four-day weeks.
Technological advancements have further facilitated remote work, reducing the need for physical office attendance. In contrast, Nepal has tightened attendance policies, requiring physical presence and digital attendance tracking, even in roles where remote work is feasible.
The Case for a Four-Day Workweek
Studies have shown that shorter workweeks boost national productivity while enhancing employee well-being. Extended weekends allow workers to rest, socialize, and engage in personal pursuits, which can rejuvenate them for the workweek ahead. Research by Henley Business School (2019) found that employees on a four-day schedule experienced reduced stress and fewer sick days, leading to higher productivity.
Shorter workweeks can also address environmental concerns. Reduced commuting lowers carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner urban air. Moreover, extended weekends promote work-life balance, allowing employees to spend more time with family and engage in household responsibilities.
In the UK, shorter workweeks have also contributed to gender equality by encouraging men to participate in household chores traditionally performed by women.
Nepal’s traditional, attendance-focused mindset contrasts starkly with these global trends. Learning from international practices and implementing progressive policies could help Nepal modernize its approach to work and productivity.