Knowing the stock market holidays 2026 is essential for every investor, trader, and especially for those who are new to the stock market. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) remain closed on specific national, religious, and regional holidays every year. These non-trading days directly impact order execution, settlement cycles, and overall market participation.
In this detailed guide, we cover the official stock market holidays 2026, explain why these holidays matter, and answer the most frequently asked questions to help both experienced investors and those learning the stock market for beginners.
Official Stock Market Holidays 2026 (India)
The following table lists the confirmed NSE and BSE trading holidays for the year 2026. On these days, equity, equity derivatives, and currency segments remain closed.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| 26 January 2026 | Monday | Republic Day |
| 03 March 2026 | Tuesday | Holi |
| 26 March 2026 | Thursday | Shri Ram Navami |
| 31 March 2026 | Tuesday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| 03 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 14 April 2026 | Tuesday | Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 01 May 2026 | Friday | Maharashtra Day |
| 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Bakri Id |
| 26 June 2026 | Friday | Muharram |
| 14 September 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 02 October 2026 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| 20 October 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| 10 November 2026 | Tuesday | Diwali – Balipratipada |
| 24 November 2026 | Tuesday | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas |
Note: These holidays are applicable to NSE and BSE trading segments unless specified otherwise by the exchanges.
Stock Market Holidays Falling on Weekends in 2026
Some major festivals in 2026 fall on Saturdays or Sundays. Since Indian stock markets are closed on weekends, these do not result in additional trading holidays.
- Mahashivratri – 15 February 2026 (Sunday)
- Eid-ul-Fitr – 21 March 2026 (Saturday)
- Independence Day – 15 August 2026 (Saturday)
- Diwali Laxmi Pujan – 08 November 2026 (Sunday)
Although Diwali Laxmi Pujan falls on a Sunday, Muhurat Trading will be conducted on a separate day, with timings announced by NSE and BSE closer to the festival.
Why Stock Market Holidays Are Important for Investors
Understanding stock market holidays 2026 helps investors plan trades efficiently and avoid operational issues. This is especially useful for people learning the stock market for beginners.
Key reasons holidays matter:
- No order execution or price discovery on market holidays
- Settlement cycles are pushed forward due to non-working days
- Liquidity can be reduced before and after long holidays
- Corporate actions and fund transfers may get delayed
Investors working with a SEBI-registered advisory typically plan entries, exits, and portfolio reviews around the holiday calendar to reduce execution risks.
How Stock Market Holidays Impact Trading and Investing
For short-term traders, holidays may affect volatility around expiry weeks or result in gap openings. Long-term investors should track holidays mainly for settlement planning and portfolio rebalancing.
Beginners often assume markets operate daily, but understanding the holiday structure is a key part of stock market education.
Tips to Plan Your Investments Around Market Holidays
- Always check the NSE/BSE holiday list before placing time-sensitive orders
- Avoid last-minute trades before long weekends
- Use holidays for research, learning, and portfolio analysis
- Consult a SEBI-registered advisory for disciplined, long-term planning
Frequently Asked Questions on Stock Market Holidays 2026
1. What are the stock market holidays in 2026?
Stock market holidays 2026 are days when NSE and BSE remain closed for trading in India.
2. How many stock market holidays are there in 2026?
There are 15 official stock market holidays in 2026.
3. Are NSE and BSE holidays the same?
Yes, NSE and BSE follow the same holiday calendar for equities.
4. Is the stock market open on Republic Day 2026?
No, the stock market is closed on 26 January 2026.
5. Is the stock market open on New Year’s Day 2026?
Yes, NSE and BSE are open on 1 January 2026.
6. Is Holi a stock market holiday in 2026?
Yes, Holi on 3 March 2026 is a trading holiday.
7. Is Diwali a stock market holiday in 2026?
The market is closed on Diwali Balipratipada on 10 November 2026.
8. What is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a special trading session conducted during Diwali.
9. Will Muhurat Trading happen in 2026?
Yes, Muhurat Trading will be held, with timings announced by exchanges.
10. Are weekends stock market holidays?
Yes, NSE and BSE are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
11. Does the stock market close on Good Friday?
Yes, Good Friday on 3 April 2026 is a market holiday.
12. Are commodity markets closed on stock market holidays?
Commodity market holidays may differ and should be checked separately.
13. Is Muharram a trading holiday in 2026?
Yes, the stock market is closed on 26 June 2026.
14. Does settlement happen on market holidays?
No, settlement processes are paused on market holidays.
15. Do holidays affect derivatives trading?
Yes, equity derivatives do not trade on stock market holidays.
16. Are bank holidays the same as stock market holidays?
Not always. Bank holidays and market holidays can differ.
17. Why should beginners track stock market holidays?
It helps avoid confusion and improves trade planning.
18. Can I place orders on market holidays?
Orders can be placed, but will be executed only on the next trading day.
19. Who decides stock market holidays in India?
NSE and BSE declare holidays under SEBI regulations.
20. Where can I check updated stock market holidays?
You can check the official NSE or BSE website or consult a SEBI-registered advisory.
Final Thoughts
Keeping track of stock market holidays 2026 is a basic yet crucial habit for successful investing. Whether you are an active trader or someone exploring the stock market for beginners, advance planning around holidays ensures smoother execution and better decision-making. For structured guidance and disciplined investing, working with a SEBI registered advisory can help align your strategy with market timelines.
Disclaimer Note: The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. This article is for education purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation or investment advice by Equentis – Research & Ranking. We will not be liable for any losses that may occur. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL & certification from NISM in no way guarantee the performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.
Jaspreet Singh Arora is the Chief Investment Officer at Equentis, where he heads a seasoned team of equity analysts and turns two decades of market experience into portfolios that consistently beat the benchmark. A go-to voice on cement, building-materials, real-estate, and construction stocks, Jaspreet previously ran research desks at leading brokerages, honing an eye for the metrics that truly move share prices. His plain-spoken analysis helps investors cut through noise and act with conviction. When he’s not deep-diving into earnings calls, you’ll find him unwinding over sports, weekend cricket or a good history podcast.
