10 countries with the most public holidays; India ranks no.1

This story shows the countries that prioritizes the work-life balance and with a surprise of a lot or maybe not, India emerges as the number one nation with 42 holidays in a year. India's holidays count is boosted by national holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day) plus diverse religious festivals (e.g., Diwali, Eid, Christmas) and state‑level observances lift the total.

Nepal comes as the runner-up as it observes Nepal Sambat and Vikram Samvat calendars; and some of the key nationwide festivals include Vijaya Dashami and Tihar.

Iran comes next with the Nowruz anchoring the year; most of the national holidays celebrate the nation's past and many dates follow the lunar or solar Hijri calendar and the Gregorian dates shift every year too.

Some of the key festivals in Myanmar include the Buddhist full‑moon pagoda days and Thingyan New Year water festival and these festivals stretches for many days.

Sri Lanka celebrates Deepavali, Eid, Christmas and Buddhist observances. And these festivals are observed nationally.

National holidays of Malaysia are supplemented by state‑level days (e.g., sultans’ birthdays, local festivals). The number of holidays depend on the state.

Fiji celebrates Christian, Hindu, and Muslim festivities.

Islamic holidays (Eid al‑Fitr, Eid al‑Adha), national days (Victory Day, Independence Day), and minority‑religion festivals are the major public holidays in Bangladesh.

A small state with generous Christian feast days, a national day, and some bank‑only observances adding a total of 22 holidays a year.

Major observances: Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben headline alongside other Buddhist and national days.