Stock Market Holidays

Stock market holidays are days when trading is paused and you can’t buy or sell shares. In India, the NSE and BSE will observe 15 full market holidays in 2026 based on the official holiday calendar, with closures on national and religious occasions like Republic Day, Holi, Good Friday, Diwali-Balipratipada and Christmas. Knowing these non-trading days helps traders plan their strategies. Markets also close on weekends, so staying aware of all holiday dates is key for smart investing.

Note: November 08, 2026, will be observed as a trading holiday on account of Diwali Laxmi Pujan. However, Muhurat Trading will take place on the same day. The timings for Muhurat Trading will be announced later through an official circular.

In addition to the above list, the following stock market holidays will fall on Saturday or Sunday in 2026:

The holiday calendar for the commodity derivatives segment is slightly different from the equity market. Below is the detailed list of share market holidays applicable to the commodity derivatives segment:

Disclaimer: The commodity derivatives segment operates in two sessions—a morning session from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and an evening session from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM or 11:55 PM. For 2026, the NSE has not yet specified which holidays will apply to the morning session, evening session, or both. The segment-wise holiday details will be confirmed through an official circular closer to the respective dates.

Muhurat Trading is a special, one-hour trading session conducted on Diwali each year. It is considered an auspicious occasion, symbolising prosperity, wealth, and the beginning of a new financial year for traders and investors. The session is held in the evening, with exact timings announced by the National Stock Exchange closer to Diwali.

In 2026, Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. While the NSE will publish the confirmed Muhurat Trading timings a few days before the festival, the session typically takes place during the evening hours.

The National Stock Exchange operates across multiple trading sessions from Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and exchange-declared trading holidays.

Being aware of these timings helps investors and traders plan and execute their strategies efficiently. Below is an overview of the key NSE market sessions and their schedules for 2026.

Pre-open session

Order entry and modification: 09:00 AM to 09:08 AM* (This window may close randomly during the final minute, anytime between 09:07 AM and 09:08 AM.)

Order matching: Begins immediately after the order entry and modification window closes.

Regular trading session

Market open: 9:15 AM

Market close: 03:30 PM

Closing session

This session takes place between 03:40 PM and 04:00 PM and is used to determine and confirm the final closing prices.

Block deal session

Morning window: 08:45 AM to 09:00 AM

Afternoon window: 02:05 PM to 02:20 PM

Internationally linked agricultural commodities

The evening session generally runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM, depending on global market timings. 

Stock market holidays represent the period of suspension during which trading of financial securities is not allowed. Traders must remain cautious around the holidays as this period is often marked with increased volatility and reduced trading volumes. By regularly tracking the list of share market holidays and appropriately adjusting positions, traders can better prepare for market closures and enhance their portfolio returns.

Stock market holidays pause trading, so no buying or selling can occur. In 2026, NSE and BSE will observe 15 full holidays and weekend closures. Staying aware of these dates helps traders plan ahead, avoid disruptions, and make smarter investment decisions.

Dividend stocks offer a unique investment opportunity in the Indian stock market. They provide a combination of regular income and potential for capital appreciation. However, like all investments, they come with risks. It is crucial to conduct thorough research, diversify your portfolio, and monitor your investments regularly. Additionally, stay updated on tax regulations to maximise the benefits of dividend stocks.