Stock Market Holiday Calendar for NSE and BSE 2026
If you are an investor or trader, keeping track of the stock market holidays 2026 is not optional-it’s essential. Whether you trade daily, invest long term, or manage portfolios, knowing when the NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) remain closed helps avoid last-minute confusion and missed opportunities.
The Indian stock market follows a fixed holiday calendar every year, closing on select national festivals, religious occasions, and special days. In this article, we break down the complete stock market holiday calendar for NSE and BSE in 2026, explain what remains open, what stays closed, and how traders should plan around these holidays.
Why Stock Market Holidays Matter to Investors
Stock market holidays affect more than just trading activity. They influence:
- Settlement cycles
- Weekly and monthly expiry planning
- Options and futures strategies
- Liquidity and volatility before and after holidays
Many experienced traders plan positions well in advance based on the holiday calendar to avoid sudden gaps or low-liquidity sessions.
Are NSE and BSE Holidays the Same?
In most cases, NSE and BSE observe the same trading holidays, as both exchanges follow a unified calendar announced in advance. However, certain segments like:
- Commodity trading
- Currency derivatives
- International exchanges
may operate on different schedules.
For equity investors, the holiday list below applies equally to both NSE and BSE.
Stock Market Holidays 2026: Equity Segment
Below is the expected list of stock market holidays 2026 for the equity segment. Final confirmation is issued by NSE and BSE closer to the year.
Note: If a holiday falls on a weekend, markets usually do not observe an additional weekday holiday.
Tentative NSE & BSE Holiday List – 2026
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 6 | Friday | Mahashivratri |
| March 25 | Wednesday | Holi |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Dr Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 1 | Friday | Maharashtra Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 29 | Saturday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October 2 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 19 | Monday | Dussehra |
| November 9 | Monday | Diwali (Laxmi Pujan)* |
| November 10 | Tuesday | Diwali Balipratipada |
| November 24 | Tuesday | Gurpurab |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Muhurat Trading in 2026: What to Know
Despite Diwali being a market holiday, Muhurat Trading is a special one-hour trading session held in the evening.
Why it matters:
- Considered auspicious by investors
- Symbolic start to the new financial year
- High retail participation
Exact Muhurat trading timings for 2026 will be announced closer to Diwali by NSE and BSE.
Weekend Closures in 2026
Apart from official holidays, Indian stock markets remain closed on:
- All Saturdays
- All Sundays
This means even if a festival does not appear in the official holiday list, markets will remain shut if it falls on a weekend.
What Remains Open on Market Holidays?
Even when equity markets are closed:
- Mutual fund NAVs are not updated
- Commodity markets may operate (MCX has separate holidays)
- Global markets remain active
Investors should note that international news during Indian holidays can lead to gap-up or gap-down openings on the next trading day.
Impact of Stock Market Holidays on Trading Strategy
Smart traders adjust strategies around holidays. Here’s how:
Before Holidays
- Lower volumes
- Reduced volatility
- Option decay accelerates
After Holidays
- Gap openings
- Reaction to global cues
- Sudden spikes in volatility
Planning trades around the stock market holidays 2026 can help manage risk better.
Settlement and Clearing During Holidays
Trades executed before holidays follow a T+1 settlement cycle. If a holiday falls within the settlement period:
- Settlement is delayed
- Funds and shares are credited on the next working day
This is important for short-term traders and arbitrage strategies.
Stock Market Holidays vs Bank Holidays
A common mistake investors make is assuming stock market holidays and bank holidays are the same.
Reality:
- Banks may be open when markets are closed
- Markets may be open when banks are shut
Always check the exchange holiday calendar, not just bank holidays.
How Long-Term Investors Should Use the Holiday Calendar
For long-term investors:
- SIPs continue despite holidays
- Market closures do not affect holding value
- Portfolio value adjusts on next trading day
However, knowing holidays helps in planning lump-sum investments and rebalancing.
Will the Holiday List Change?
Yes, sometimes.
Reasons include:
- Government notifications
- Changes in festival dates
- Regulatory updates
Investors should always check:
- NSE official website
- BSE official website
before making major trading decisions.
Where to Check Official Updates
For the most accurate and updated information on stock market holidays 2026, refer to:
Final Words
Knowing the stock market holidays 2026 is a simple step that can prevent costly mistakes. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor, planning trades around holidays helps improve discipline, reduce risk, and stay aligned with market movements.
Bookmark the NSE and BSE holiday calendar for 2026, keep an eye on official updates, and trade smart- not surprised.
