As a trader or investor, one of the key parts of planning your year is knowing Stock Market Holidays 2026 — including the full list of days when trading won’t happen on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Understanding this calendar helps with everything from risk management and strategy to timing fund flows and contract rollovers.
In this detailed breakdown, you’ll find every holiday date, what it means for trading, special sessions like Muhurat Trading, and how different segments (equity, derivatives, commodities) are affected.
Why Stock Market Holiday Calendars Matter?
Stock Market Holidays 2026 are the days when one or more segments of the Indian exchanges — NSE, BSE or MCX — are closed for trading. Many of these align with national, cultural, or religious celebrations, including Republic Day, Holi, Ram Navami, Diwali, Christmas, and others. They directly impact market liquidity, settlement cycles, trading strategies, and operational workflows for brokers and clearing members.
When an exchange is closed due to a holiday:
- No trading can occur in that segment
- Settlement and clearing operations may also pause
- Orders can’t be executed, and pending settlements are delayed
It’s especially important to differentiate between:
- Trading holidays — no trading takes place
- Settlement holidays — trading may occur but settlement operations pause
- Partial holidays — some sessions open and others closed (common on MCX because of its two-session structure).
NSE & BSE Holidays 2026 (Full Market Closures)
The equity and equity derivative segments of NSE and BSE observe a standard set of trading holidays each year. In 2026, there are 15 weekday market holidays when both NSE and BSE will remain fully closed.
This official list forms the backbone of the NSE Holidays 2026 and BSE Holidays 2026 calendar for the equity markets.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| January 26, 2026 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 03, 2026 | Tuesday | Holi |
| March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Shri Ram Navami |
| March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 03, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 01, 2026 | Friday | Maharashtra Day |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Bakri Eid |
| June 26, 2026 | Friday | Muharram |
| September 14, 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October 02, 2026 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| November 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Diwali – Balipratipada |
| November 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas |
This gives 15 total trading holidays for the NSE in 2026, the same calendar observed by BSE given that stock market holidays in India for cash segments are generally uniform across major exchanges.
Notes on BSE and NSE Holidays 2026
- Some holidays, like Maha Shivratri or Eid-ul-Fitr that fall on weekends, don’t lead to additional market closures since Indian markets are already closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- The NSE and BSE holiday list covers both cash equities and derivative segments, so traders across formats should note these dates.
- The list above also includes historically significant dates like Diwali and Gandhi Jayanti, which regularly see market closures.
Weekend Festival Holidays & Muhurat Trading
Certain festivals in 2026 fall on weekends:
| Date | Holiday | Exchange Effect |
| Feb 15, 2026 (Sun) | Mahashivratri | Weekend; NSE/BSE closed |
| Mar 21, 2026 (Sat) | Eid (Id-ul-Fitr) | Weekend |
| Aug 15, 2026 (Sat) | Independence Day | Weekend |
| Nov 08, 2026 (Sun) | Diwali Laxmi Pujan | Muhurat Trading |
Even though these festivals fall on Saturday or Sunday, they impact planning because special sessions or symbolic trading (like Muhurat Trading on Diwali) may be held.
Muhurat Trading is a traditional session held on Diwali evening, largely symbolic and considered auspicious by many investors.
MCX Holidays 2026: Commodity Market Calendar
The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) is structured differently from equity markets because it often operates in two sessions:
- Morning Session: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Evening Session: 5:00 PM to 11:30/11:55 PM
Due to this dual session, MCX holidays can be full or partial. Here is the MCX Holidays 2026 calendar:
| Date | Holiday | Morning (9–5) | Evening (5–11:30/11:55) |
| Jan 01 | New Year’s Day | Open | Closed |
| Jan 26 | Republic Day | Full Holiday | Full Holiday |
| Mar 03 | Holi (2nd Day) | Closed | Open |
| Mar 26 | Shri Ram Navami | Closed | Open |
| Mar 31 | Shri Mahavir Jayanti | Closed | Open |
| Apr 03 | Good Friday | Closed | Closed |
| Apr 14 | Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti | Closed | Open |
| May 01 | Maharashtra Day | Closed | Open |
| May 28 | Bakri Eid | Closed | Open |
| Jun 26 | Muharram | Closed | Open |
| Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Closed | Open |
| Oct 02 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Full Holiday | Full Holiday |
| Oct 20 | Dussehra | Closed | Open |
| Nov 10 | Diwali – Balipratipada | Closed | Open |
| Nov 24 | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev | Closed | Open |
| Dec 25 | Christmas | Closed | Closed |
Other festival holidays (such as Mahashivratri, Eid, Independence Day, and Diwali) fall on weekends and therefore have normal MCX closures. Some are accompanied by Muhurat sessions.
Key Differences from NSE/BSE
- On January 1, 2026, MCX’s morning session is open even though NSE/BSE are not fully closed.
- Many religious holidays may only suspend the morning session while the evening session remains active.
MCX Holidays 2026 falling on weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
| MCX Holidays on Weekends | Date | Day |
| Mahashivratri | February 15, 2026 | Sunday |
| Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid) | March 21, 2026 | Saturday |
| Independence Day | August 15, 2026 | Saturday |
| Diwali Laxmi Pujan | November 08, 2026 | Sunday |
Why Indian Stock Market Holidays 2026 Matter?
Whether you’re an intraday trader or a long-term investor, Indian Stock Market Holidays 2026 affect you fundamentally:
Trade Planning
- On holidays, no trades can be executed in the relevant segments.
- Traders must prepare orders ahead of closures.
Settlement Impacts
- If settlement holidays occur after trading, clearing cycles can extend, delaying funds and asset transfers.
Strategy Adjustments
- Long holidays change liquidity dynamics before and after closures.
- Instruments like options may see wider spreads due to reduced trading days.
Long-Weekend Opportunities
- When holidays fuse with weekends, they create extended breaks.
- Long weekends in 2026 include Republic Day, Diwali season, and Gandhi Jayanti — ideal for planning research and repositioning before markets reopen.
Long Weekends & Trading Strategy
Below are some notable long weekends due to Stock Market Holidays 2026:
- March 03 (Holi) – With surrounding days, many traders opt to adjust positions before the festival break.
- October 02 (Gandhi Jayanti) + October 03 Weekend – Three consecutive days off.
- Diwali Break around November 10 plus weekend.
These can be opportunities for backtesting strategy adjustments or rebalancing existing portfolios well before volatility changes.
Practical Tips for Traders & Investors
Here are actionable tips to make the most of the 2026 stock market holiday calendar:
Maintain an Annual Trading Calendar
Having a detailed view of NSE Holidays 2026, BSE Holidays 2026, and MCX Holidays 2026 allows you to:
- Pre-schedule trades
- Adjust risk parameters
- Set alerts for settlement impacts
Watch Holiday Adjacency
Pay attention to how holidays fall around weekends — this affects liquidity before and after closures.
Check Segment Specific Rules
- NSE/BSE equity derivatives calendars may differ slightly from currency or commodity segments.
- MCX partial holiday sessions mean your trading window may be altered.
Verify Last-Minute Exchange Notifications
Festivals tied to lunar calendars (Eid, Muharram) can shift depending on visibility — so always check official exchange updates a few days before.
Settlement & Clearing Considerations
Even if markets are open for trading, settlement holidays may delay:
- Funds transfer
- Securities delivery
- Margin adjustments
Always factor these into rollover planning and position management before and after holiday closures.
Quick Summary of All Major Stock Market Holidays 2026
Here’s a recap of the major Indian Stock Market Holidays 2026 across all segments:
Major national holidays
- Republic Day — Jan 26
- Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti — Oct 02
- Christmas Day — Dec 25
Religious and cultural holidays
- Holi — Mar 03
- Shri Ram Navami — Mar 26
- Mahavir Jayanti — Mar 31
- Good Friday — Apr 03
- Bakri Id — May 28
- Muharram — June 26
- Ganesh Chaturthi — Sept 14
- Dussehra — Oct 20
- Diwali – Balipratipada — Nov 10
- Prakash Guru Nanak Dev Ji — Nov 24
Special session considerations
- New Year’s Day partial session (MCX) — Jan 01
These dates shape the Stock Market Holidays 2026 landscape for equities, commodities, and derivatives.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Stock Market Holidays 2026 is critical for effective trade execution and investment planning. Whether you’re focusing on NSE Holidays 2026, BSE Holidays 2026, or MCX Holidays 2026, having a detailed calendar allows you to:
- Avoid execution errors
- Manage risk properly
- Adjust portfolios before major closures
- Understand settlement timing accurately
By weaving these dates into your yearly trading playbook, you stay ahead of market rhythms and ensure your strategy aligns with both operational and cultural rhythms that influence Indian markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Stock Market Holidays are there in 2026 in India?
In 2026, there are 15 official Stock Market Holidays for equity trading on the NSE and BSE. These include national, religious, and cultural holidays such as Republic Day, Holi, Diwali, and Christmas. These dates are collectively referred to as Indian Stock Market Holidays 2026.
Are NSE Holidays 2026 and BSE Holidays 2026 the same?
Yes, NSE Holidays 2026 and BSE Holidays 2026 are almost identical for equity and equity derivative segments. Both exchanges usually remain closed on the same trading holidays, although settlement schedules or special sessions may occasionally differ.
Is the stock market closed on weekends in 2026?
Yes, the Indian stock market remains closed on all Saturdays and Sundays in 2026, apart from rare special sessions like Diwali Muhurat Trading, which is announced separately by NSE and BSE.
What is the difference between trading holidays and settlement holidays?
A trading holiday means no buying or selling can take place on the exchange. A settlement holiday means trades may occur, but clearing and settlement of funds and securities are postponed. Both types are important when planning around Stock Market Holidays 2026.
Do MCX Holidays 2026 differ from NSE and BSE holidays?
Yes, MCX Holidays 2026 are different because MCX operates in two sessions (morning and evening). On some holidays, MCX may remain closed in the morning but open for evening trading, or vice versa. Traders must always check session-wise MCX holiday details.
Is Muhurat Trading conducted during Diwali in 2026?
Muhurat Trading is traditionally held on Diwali and is considered auspicious. However, the exact date and timing for Muhurat Trading 2026 are announced separately by NSE and BSE closer to Diwali. It is usually a short evening session.
How do Stock Market Holidays affect intraday and F&O traders?
For intraday and derivatives traders, Stock Market Holidays 2026 reduce the number of trading days, which can impact option expiry strategies, volatility, and liquidity. Traders should adjust position sizing and expiry-based strategies around long holiday breaks.
Where can traders check the latest updates on NSE, BSE, and MCX holidays?
Traders should always verify holiday updates from official exchange websites (NSE, BSE, MCX) or trusted financial news platforms. This is especially important for festivals like Eid or Muharram, where dates may change based on moon sightings.
Related Blog: Best Stock Trading Apps in India
What do you think?
It is nice to know your opinion. Leave a comment.