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No matter whether you invest regularly or only occasionally, knowing the stock market holidays helps you plan your trades better. From intraday and derivatives traders to long-term investors, being aware of the days when NSE and BSE remain closed can save you from last-minute surprises.
While the official Stock Market Holidays 2026 list will be released closer to the end of 2025, this guide shares a tentative holiday calendar based on past trends and commonly observed market holidays. This guide also includes expected holiday dates, explanations, trading tips, and special considerations for 2026.
Why Should You Track Stock Market Holidays?
Understanding NSE & BSE market holidays helps traders:
- Plan intraday strategies better
- Avoid placing orders on closed days
- Manage portfolio adjustments around volatile events
- Mark long weekends for market opportunities
- Prepare for expiry cycles without confusion
A well-planned trader is always one step ahead.
Tentative List of Stock Market Holidays 2026 (India)
Below are the expected market closure days in 2026. Dates may slightly shift if festivals depend on the lunar calendar.
Holiday | Expected Date (2026) | Day |
New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
Republic Day | January 26 | Monday |
Maha Shivratri | February 16 | Monday |
Holi | March 3 | Tuesday |
Ram Navami | March 27 | Friday |
Mahavir Jayanti | April 2 | Thursday |
Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
Id-ul-Fitr | April 22 | Wednesday |
Maharashtra Day | May 1 | Friday |
Bakri Id / Eid al-Adha | June 1 | Monday |
Muharram | July 21 | Tuesday |
Independence Day | August 15 | Saturday |
Ganesh Chaturthi | September 15 | Tuesday |
Gandhi Jayanti | October 2 | Friday |
Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) | October 19 | Monday |
Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Muhurat Trading Only) | November 8 | Sunday |
Guru Nanak Jayanti | November 24 | Tuesday |
Christmas | December 25 | Friday |
Note: If any festival date shifts based on lunar cycles, NSE/BSE update the holiday calendar accordingly.
Special Mention: Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026
Every year, the stock market engages in a special one-hour session known as Muhurat Trading on Diwali, believed to be an auspicious time for investing.
Expected Muhurat Trading Schedule (Tentative)
- Date: November 8, 2026
- Session Duration: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (tentative)
- Nature: Sentimental, symbolic trading
Although the market remains closed on this day, this special window attracts many traders for symbolic buying.
How Market Holidays Can Affect Your Trading in 2026
Understanding holidays helps in:
1. Impact on Option Expiries
If an expiry day falls on a holiday, the expiry moves to the previous working day.
Example: If a Thursday holiday occurs, expiry shifts to Wednesday.
2. Increased Volatility Before Long Weekends
Markets often show:
- Profit booking
- High volume
- Sharp swings
This is because traders adjust positions before long breaks.
3. Global Markets Still Move
Even though Indian markets close,
- US, European, and Asian markets remain active, which can influence opening levels when NSE/BSE reopen.
4. Settlement & Payout Delays
If you’re planning any major transaction, remember:
- Settlement cycles pause during holidays, delaying payouts and demat transfers.
5. Planning for IPOs and Allotments
Holidays delay:
- IPO subscription
- UPI verification
- Allotment finalization
Always consider holidays in your IPO planning.
Monthly Breakdown of Likely Market Closures (2026)
January
New Year’s Day, Republic Day
Effect: High volume month, start of Q4 earnings.
February
Maha Shivratri
Effect: Stable month, fewer volatility events.
March
Holi, Ram Navami
Effect: Financial year-end adjustments make this a high-activity month.
April
Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Eid
Effect: Several holidays -> more weekly swings.
May-July
Summer season holidays
Effect: Sometimes sees reduced trading volume.
August-October
Major festivals like Independence Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra
Effect: Option expiry shifts + volatility around earnings.
November
Diwali, Muhurat Trading
Effect: Strong sentiment-driven movements.
December
Christmas
Effect: Global markets low-volume -> peaceful month.
Final Thoughts
The Stock Market Holiday List 2026 is crucial for planning trades throughout the year. While the official dates will be published by NSE and BSE later, this tentative list gives you a clear overview of expected closures.
By staying updated, you can:
- Manage your portfolio better
- Avoid unwanted trade delays
- Prepare for volatile periods
- Plan expiry-based trades seamlessly
Bookmark this page – once the exchanges release the official 2026 holiday calendar, we will update it immediately.
Top 10 FAQs on Stock Market Holidays 2026
1. Will MCX also remain closed on all NSE/BSE holidays in 2026?
MCX generally closes its morning session, but the evening session may remain open depending on international markets.
2. Do bank holidays automatically mean stock market holidays in 2026?
No. Some bank holidays are not market holidays. Each exchange issues a separate list.
3. Will there be any additional trading holidays due to elections in 2026?
Possible. If major elections occur, exchanges may declare special closures.
4. Can settlement cycles get extended due to consecutive holidays?
Yes. If there are two or more back-to-back holidays, payouts and settlements shift accordingly.
5. Is Muhurat Trading mandatory for traders to participate in 2026?
No. It’s optional and symbolic. Many traders participate just for tradition.
6. Will F&O weekly expiries shift if Thursday is a holiday?
Yes. The expiry automatically moves to the previous working day.
7. Are SME exchanges also closed on the same holidays?
Yes. SME platforms like NSE Emerge follow the same holiday schedule.
8. Will IPO deadlines be affected by 2026 holidays?
Yes. UPI payment windows, allotment dates, and listing dates can shift.
9. Can the stock market declare emergency holidays in 2026?
Yes. Events like natural disasters, server outages, or national mourning can trigger sudden closures.
10. Do global market holidays impact India’s 2026 stock market hours?
No. Indian markets do not close based on global holidays, but they may influence price movements.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Details may change and can vary by location. Please verify information from official sources before making any decisions. The author is not responsible for actions taken based on this content.
