Indian Stock Market Holidays 2025: Complete List, Importance, and Impact

The Indian stock market plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, providing investors and traders with opportunities to buy and sell securities. Understanding the stock market holiday schedule is essential for investors, as these holidays can impact trading volume, liquidity, and market movements.

The two primary stock exchanges in India, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), follow an annual holiday calendar that dictates when the market remains closed for trading. These holidays include national holidays, religious festivals, and special trading sessions like Muhurat Trading during Diwali.

For traders and investors, market holidays are more than just non-trading days—they can influence market sentiment, stock prices, and global trading flows. Understanding the impact of these holidays can help in making strategic investment decisions, such as adjusting portfolio allocations before long weekends or avoiding volatility before major holidays.

In this article, we will cover:
✅ The complete list of Indian stock market holidays in 2024
✅ The types of holidays and their impact on trading
✅ Muhurat Trading and its significance
✅ How holidays affect trading volumes and global markets
✅ Strategies to manage trades around stock market holidays

2. Understanding Indian Stock Market Holidays

The Indian stock market holidays are specific days when the stock exchanges—National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)—remain closed for trading. These holidays are determined based on national events, religious festivals, and special occasions, ensuring that trading activities align with India’s financial and cultural calendar.

Stock market holidays are classified into different categories, each having a unique impact on market operations.

Types of Indian Stock Market Holidays

1. Trading Holidays

• These are full-day closures when both NSE and BSE halt trading completely.
• No trading, buying, or selling of stocks, derivatives, or other financial instruments takes place.
• Trading holidays generally include national public holidays and major festivals like Republic Day, Holi, Diwali, and Independence Day.

2. Clearing Holidays

• On these days, trading is allowed, but the clearing and settlement process is halted.
• This means any trades executed on a clearing holiday will be settled on the next working day.
• Clearing holidays typically coincide with bank holidays, as banks play a critical role in trade settlements.

3. Weekend Holidays

• The Indian stock market remains closed every Saturday and Sunday.
• This follows the global practice of financial markets closing over the weekend.
• However, the Forex (currency) and commodity markets may have different weekend trading schedules.

4. Exchange-Specific Holidays

• Sometimes, NSE and BSE may declare specific holidays that apply only to certain segments (e.g., equity, derivatives, or commodity markets).
• For example, the commodity market segment may have a different holiday calendar than the equity market.

Difference Between Stock Market and Banking Holidays

• Stock market holidays do not always align with bank holidays.
• Since banks handle clearing and settlement processes, bank holidays can impact post-trading activities even when the stock market remains open.
• For example, even if the stock market is open on a certain day, a bank holiday may delay fund transfers, IPO allotments, or dividend payments.

Why Understanding Stock Market Holidays is Important?

✔ Helps traders plan their buying and selling decisions.
✔ Avoids unexpected disruptions in trading activities.
✔ Allows investors to prepare for low liquidity or volatility before and after major holidays.
✔ Ensures that traders are aware of F&O expiry date adjustments due to holidays.

Knowing these holidays in advance can help traders and investors optimize their strategies and avoid potential risks associated with unexpected market closures.

3. Complete List of Indian Stock Market Holidays in 2024

To help traders and investors plan their activities, here is the official list of Indian stock market holidays for 2024. This list includes national holidays, religious festivals, and special trading sessions.

Trading Holidays for NSE & BSE in 2024

The table below outlines the days when both NSE and BSE will remain completely closed for trading.

Special Trading Session: Muhurat Trading on Diwali

• The Indian stock market observes Muhurat Trading on Diwali, a special one-hour trading session held in the evening.
• This is considered an auspicious time for investing, and many traders participate for symbolic and cultural reasons.
• The exact time for Muhurat Trading on November 1, 2024, will be announced by NSE and BSE closer to the date.

Clearing Holidays for NSE & BSE in 2024

Clearing holidays impact the settlement process, but trading remains open on these days. This means any trades executed on a clearing holiday will be settled on the next working day.

Weekend Closures (Saturday & Sunday)

• NSE and BSE remain closed on all Saturdays and Sundays.
• However, in rare cases, the exchanges may conduct special trading sessions on Saturdays, which are announced in advance.

Key Takeaways for Traders & Investors:

✔ Plan investments around major market closures.
✔ Be aware of low liquidity before and after long weekends.
✔ Expect higher volatility after long holiday breaks.
✔ For Muhurat Trading, prepare in advance to take advantage of the session.

By keeping track of these holidays, traders and investors can avoid last-minute surprises and adjust their strategies accordingly.

3. Complete List of Indian Stock Market Holidays in 2025

Understanding the stock market holiday schedule is crucial for traders and investors to plan their activities effectively. Below is the official list of trading holidays for the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in 2025.

Regular Weekly Holidays: Stock Market Closed on Saturdays & Sundays

📌 The Indian stock market remains closed every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. This applies to both the NSE and BSE.

Trading Holidays for NSE & BSE in 2025

The following table outlines the days when both NSE and BSE will remain closed for trading in addition to the regular weekend holidays:

📝 Note:
✔ Saturdays and Sundays are weekly holidays, meaning the stock market remains closed on all weekends throughout the year.
✔ The Muhurat Trading session for Diwali is scheduled on October 21, 2025. The exact time will be announced later by NSE and BSE.

Impact of Stock Market Holidays on Trading

• Investors should plan trades around holidays to avoid liquidity issues.
• Long weekends may lead to high volatility when the market reopens.
• Muhurat Trading is an important event for traders and investors following market trends during Diwali.

By keeping track of these holidays, traders can make informed decisions and optimize their trading strategies.

4. Impact of Stock Market Holidays on Trading and Investment Strategies

Stock market holidays can significantly influence trading strategies, market liquidity, and overall investor sentiment. Understanding these effects can help traders and investors plan their trades effectively to avoid unexpected disruptions.

1. Effect on Market Liquidity

• Lower Trading Volume Before and After Holidays:
  Trading activity tends to be lower before and after a long holiday break. Many institutional traders and large investors avoid making major trades during these periods, leading to reduced liquidity.
• Wider Bid-Ask Spreads:
  Low liquidity can cause wider bid-ask spreads, making it harder to execute trades at desired prices.

2. Increased Market Volatility

• Pre-Holiday Rally or Drop:
  Some traders adjust their portfolios before holidays, leading to short-term rallies or declines in stock prices.
• Post-Holiday Price Gaps:
  Global economic events, political news, or company announcements during holidays can lead to sharp price movements when the market reopens.

3. Impact on Derivative (F&O) Traders

• Expiry Adjustments:
  If a holiday falls on the last Thursday of the month, which is the derivatives expiry date, the expiry is moved to the previous working day.
• Options Pricing Changes:
  Holidays affect options pricing and time decay, as markets remain idle while time value continues to erode.

4. Portfolio Management Strategies Around Holidays

• Hedging Before Long Breaks:
  Traders may use hedging strategies like buying put options or diversifying into defensive stocks to mitigate risks before long market closures.
• Booking Profits or Stop-Loss Adjustments:
  Investors should consider booking partial profits or adjusting stop-loss levels before extended holidays to protect against unexpected market swings.
• Monitoring Global Markets:
  Since international markets remain open while the Indian market is closed, events such as US Federal Reserve announcements, geopolitical tensions, or major economic reports can impact stock prices when trading resumes.

5. Key Takeaways for Investors & Traders

✔ Avoid placing large trades right before holidays to minimize liquidity risks.
✔ Be prepared for increased volatility after long weekends or major festival breaks.
✔ Hedge open positions to protect against post-holiday price gaps.
✔ Track global market trends during Indian stock market closures to anticipate potential impacts.

Understanding these impacts can help traders strategize better, reduce risks, and take advantage of potential market opportunities around holidays.

5. How to Stay Updated on Stock Market Holidays?

Keeping track of stock market holidays is essential for traders and investors to avoid last-minute surprises and plan their trades effectively. Here are some reliable sources and methods to stay updated on Indian stock market holidays.

1. Official Stock Exchange Websites

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) publish an annual list of holidays.

• Visit the NSE Holiday Calendar: www.nseindia.com
• Visit the BSE Holiday Calendar: www.bseindia.com

These websites provide official updates on trading and clearing holidays.

2. SEBI and RBI Announcements

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issue notifications regarding market closures, special trading sessions, and financial sector holidays.

• Follow SEBI: www.sebi.gov.in
• Follow RBI: www.rbi.org.in

3. Financial News Portals & Apps

Several financial news platforms regularly update market holidays along with stock analysis, expert opinions, and investment strategies:

• Moneycontrol: www.moneycontrol.com
• Economic Times Markets: economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets
• BloombergQuint: www.bqprime.com
• Zerodha Varsity (For traders): www.zerodha.com

Many of these platforms also have mobile apps with push notifications.

4. Stock Market Brokerage Platforms

Most stockbrokers and trading platforms provide in-app notifications and email alerts about upcoming holidays. Some of the top brokerage firms in India include:

• Zerodha
• Upstox
• Angel One
• ICICI Direct
• HDFC Securities

If you’re an active trader, enable holiday notifications in your brokerage app settings.

5. Google Calendar & Market Watchlists

To stay organized, add stock market holidays to Google Calendar or set up alerts on trading platforms. Steps to do this:
✔ Google Calendar: Download a stock market holiday list and import it.
✔ Trading Apps: Set reminders for holiday dates within your stock market apps.

6. Social Media & Market Forums

Follow leading financial experts and market analysts on Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and Telegram for real-time updates on holiday schedules and special trading sessions.

7. Special Trading Announcements

For holidays like Diwali (Muhurat Trading), stock exchanges announce special trading timings a few days in advance. Keep an eye on:
📢 Official NSE/BSE announcements
📢 Financial news portals
📢 Brokerage notifications

Key Takeaways

✔ Check NSE/BSE websites for the official holiday list.
✔ Follow financial news platforms for updates.
✔ Enable alerts in trading apps and Google Calendar.
✔ Stay active on social media for real-time updates.

By staying informed about stock market holidays, traders can plan trades strategically, minimize risks, and avoid missing key market movements.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stock Market Holidays

To help traders and investors better understand the Indian stock market holidays, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q1: Are Saturdays and Sundays stock market holidays in India?

✅ Yes, the Indian stock market remains closed on all Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. NSE and BSE do not conduct trading on weekends.

Q2: What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?

If a stock market holiday coincides with Saturday or Sunday, there is no compensatory holiday on a weekday. The market remains closed as usual on that day.

Q3: Is there a special trading session on Diwali?

✅ Yes, Indian stock exchanges conduct Muhurat Trading on Diwali (Laxmi Pujan day) for a short duration. The specific Muhurat Trading timings are announced by NSE and BSE closer to the date.

Q4: Are Forex and Commodity Markets also closed on stock market holidays?

• Currency (Forex) Market: Follows RBI guidelines and has its own holiday schedule, which may differ from stock market holidays.
• Commodity Market (MCX & NCDEX): Holidays vary, and trading may be partially open in evening sessions. Always check MCX and NCDEX schedules.

Q5: What are clearing holidays, and do they affect trading?

Clearing holidays are days when stock settlements and fund transfers do not take place, but trading may still continue. On these days:

• You can trade as usual.
• No trade settlements occur, meaning any buying/selling will be cleared on the next working day.

Q6: How do stock market holidays impact global markets?

The Indian stock market may be closed, but global markets continue to operate. Any major international news (such as Federal Reserve decisions, geopolitical events, or earnings reports) can influence the Indian market when it reopens.

Q7: Can I place orders on stock market holidays?

You cannot execute orders on stock market holidays, but you may be able to place After Market Orders (AMOs), which will be processed when the market reopens.

Q8: Do mutual funds follow stock market holidays?

✅ Yes, mutual fund transactions, including NAV calculations and redemptions, follow stock market holidays. Transactions made on holidays are processed on the next working day.

Q9: How can I stay updated on stock market holidays?

• Check the NSE & BSE official holiday calendar.
• Follow financial news websites like Moneycontrol and Economic Times.
• Enable holiday alerts on brokerage platforms.
• Follow market experts on Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and Telegram for real-time updates.

Q10: What should traders do before long holidays?

• Close short-term positions to avoid risks from unexpected global events.
• Adjust stop-loss and target prices to protect against volatility after reopening.
• Hedge positions if holding open trades over long holiday periods.