Knowing when the stock market is closed is just as crucial for anyone who trades or invests actively as knowing when it is open. Stock market holidays affect timelines and strategy, whether one is tracking portfolio performance, waiting on a settlement, or planning a trade. Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India follow a list of designated non-trading days all year long. These are based on significant religious events, state holidays, and national festivals.
In this article, we look closely at the NSE holidays 2025, why they matter, and how traders and investors can prepare for them.
Why stock market holidays are important
Stock market holidays are not just calendar markings; they shape trading behaviour and market momentum. During NSE holidays, participants cannot buy or sell equities, mutual funds (directly via exchanges), futures or options. Settlement cycles also pause, delaying fund transfers or asset crediting.
For traders, especially those holding open derivative positions, unanticipated holidays could introduce additional risks. For long-term investors, such holidays give room for overviews, portfolio rebalancing, and strategy-setting.
Additionally, the pre- and post-holiday periods tend to experience increased volatility. Investors will try to close out positions ahead of a long weekend, and pent-up global events during the break can trigger a sudden move on reopening.
Full list of NSE holidays in 2025
Below is the list of confirmed NSE holidays 2025 for the equity trading segment:
- 26 January (Sunday) – Republic Day
- 26 February (Wednesday) – Mahashivratri
- 14 March (Friday) – Holi
- 31 March (Monday) – Eid-Ul-Fitr
- 6 April (Sunday) – Ram Navami
- 10 April (Thursday) – Mahavir Jayanti
- 14 April (Monday) – Ambedkar Jayanti
- 18 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 1 May (Thursday) – Maharashtra Day
- 7 June (Saturday) – Bakri Id
- 6 July (Sunday) – Muharram
- 15 August (Friday) – Independence Day
- 27 August (Wednesday) – Ganesh Chaturthi
- 2 October (Thursday) – Gandhi Jayanti
- 21 October (Tuesday) – Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Muhurat session only)
- 22 October (Wednesday) – Diwali Balipratipada
- 5 November (Wednesday) – Gurunanak Jayanti
- 25 December (Thursday) – Christmas
This list applies to both the NSE and BSE. However, certain regional holidays may vary depending on the exchange segment or state location.
How weekends affect market holidays
The Indian stock exchanges are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If a public holiday like Republic Day or Ram Navami falls on a Sunday, there is no additional day off. For instance, 26 January 2025, being a Sunday, does not result in any extended break.
Traders should not assume a compensatory holiday unless officially declared. In 2025, a few major holidays including Muharram and Ram Navami occur on weekends, thereby not altering the regular trading calendar.
Diwali and Muhurat trading session
One of the most unique aspects of Indian stock markets is the Muhurat trading session held on Diwali. Although 21 October 2025 is a holiday for Diwali Laxmi Pujan, the exchanges open for a symbolic one-hour session in the evening. The timing is usually announced closer to the date, and it is seen as an auspicious time to place new trades or make long-term investments.
The Muhurat trading session is largely ceremonial, yet it often records decent participation as many investors believe it brings prosperity for the year ahead.
Commodity market and partial trading days
The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and other commodity platforms follow a slightly different schedule. On some holidays, the commodity market may open for only an evening session or close early. For instance:
- On 1 January 2025 (Wednesday), the evening session may be open while the morning session remains shut.
- On 18 April 2025 (Good Friday), both sessions will remain closed.
- During partial holidays, the market may operate only for a limited duration, and it is important to check with the respective exchange for the exact session timings.
Commodity traders should consult the MCX and NCDEX circulars for specifics, as holiday rules differ from the equity markets.
Impact on mutual funds and NAV publishing
Stock market holidays also affect mutual fund operations. Since equity and debt mutual funds rely on market prices to calculate daily Net Asset Values (NAVs), no new NAVs are published on full market holidays. If an investor initiates a purchase, redemption, or switch on such a day, it is deferred to the next working day.
SIP payments due on a holiday are processed on the previous or next business day, depending on the fund house and mandate structure. It is wise to keep a margin in the bank account across these days to avoid any ECS failures or NAV delays.
Settlement delays and expiry shifts
Indian stock markets follow a T+1 settlement cycle for equity transactions. On holidays, settlement is pushed ahead, which can result in delayed crediting of shares or funds in the demat account. For example, if a trade is placed on the day before Holi (14 March 2025), the settlement would be deferred due to the closure.
In the case of derivatives, if a holiday falls on the last Thursday of the month, expiry may be rescheduled. Traders who hold positions in options or futures must monitor such updates to avoid last-minute surprises.
Planning around long weekends
In 2025, a few market holidays result in long weekends. Notable examples include:
- 14 March (Friday) – Holi
- 18 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 15 August (Friday) – Independence Day
These extended breaks often prompt traders to reduce exposure before the closure. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on performance and recalibrate investment plans.
If one anticipates global events or data releases over such weekends, hedging open positions or exiting volatile trades is a prudent approach.
Best practices for traders and investors
Being prepared for stock market holidays reduces the risk of execution delays, settlement issues, or miscommunication. Here are a few tips:
- Maintain an updated calendar of official exchange holidays for 2025.
- Recheck pending orders the day before a holiday, especially for expiry-sensitive instruments.
- Avoid high-risk trades just before long breaks unless they are sufficiently hedged.
- Use the time off to review your portfolio, fund allocation, and long-term goals.
- Check margin requirements if you hold leveraged positions across the break.
In summary
The NSE holidays 2025 list plays an essential role in helping investors and traders make timely decisions. While markets may be closed, planning does not have to pause. A clear understanding of the holiday calendar ensures fewer surprises and better preparedness.
From delays in settlement to shifts in market sentiment, stock market holidays influence more than just trading hours. With proper awareness and smart planning, these days can be used not as interruptions but as opportunities to strategise for the future.
