In 2016 itself, India has about 130+ National and regional Public holidays – that’s almost 35% of the year off from work. But, if you thought Indians celebrate way too many holidays, either out of compulsion or as another reason to chill, you have no idea how crazy some other countries are! If we could unify the World, we are sure there would be a holiday on every single day of the year.
We bring to you 5 Bizarre National Holidays Celebrated Across The World:
1. Turkmen Melon Day – August 12th (Turkmenistan)
Melons are known for their medicinal properties and nutritional value and the Melons of Turkmenistan, in particular, are the most famous world over. Turkmens are extremely proud of their melon growing heritage, so much so that they have devoted a national holiday to celebrate the same! The best Melon growers from the across the country are awarded by the Government for their efforts, which is followed by a day long parade and a series of dance and musical events.
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2. Korean Alphabet Day(s) – October 9th (South Korea) & January 15th (North Korea)
Known as Hangeul Day in South Korea and Chosongul Day in North Korea, Korean Alphabet Day celebrates the invention of the Korean alphabet, by 15th century monarch Sejong The Great. The Hangul writing system is apparently so easy to master that it is commonly referred to as ‘Ach’imgul meaning ‘a script you can learn in one morning’.
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3. Bermuda Day – May 24th (Bermuda)
For those of you who like to strip down to your shorts and relax all day, this one will certainly make you wish you lived in the island nation of Bermuda! Every year on May 24th, Bermudians celebrate the most comfortable piece of clothing and their biggest contribution to the world of fashion – the Bermuda Shorts. Whether they’re making a trip down to the beach, catching up with friends at the mall or heading out for a business meeting, Bermuda shorts will be the dress code!
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4. Melbourne Cup Day – 1st Tuesday of November (Victoria, Australia)
It’s a fact that the Australians don’t need a reason to party or drink beer, but a national holiday so people can watch a horse racing event is a bit much, no? Melbourne Cup Day is a holiday in Victoria, which is the day the world’s most famous horse race is run. While it is a holiday only in Victoria, around the country, most businesses stop at 3pm to witness this 3,200 metre run where 24 horses compete for the title.
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5. Obama Day – November 6th (Kenya)
Obama Day is celebrated in Kenya as a day to honor American President Barack Obama’s victory in the presidential elections held in 2008. President Obama’s father was born in Kenya and most of his extended family still lives there. The Kenyans were so delighted with his accomplishments that they declared the day he was elected President as a national holiday.
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