Stock market holidays are days when the stock exchange remains closed for trading. These holidays typically fall on national festivals, important public holidays, or religious celebrations. Just like banks and government offices, stock markets also follow a holiday calendar that traders and investors should be aware of. If you actively invest or trade, knowing these holidays helps you plan trades better and avoid last-minute surprises.
For new investors, a share market holiday may seem confusing at first. You may wonder why markets do not operate on certain days while other businesses continue as usual. Understanding when and why the market is closed can help you manage your investments efficiently.
When are Stock Markets Closed?
Stock markets are closed on weekends and public holidays. These market closures vary by country and depend on local customs and laws. In India, the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange put out a list of days each year when trading will not happen. This includes weekends as well as national and religious holidays. When markets are closed, no buying or selling of stocks can occur until they reopen.
NSE Trading Holidays 2025
| Sr. No | Date | Day | Holiday |
| 1 | 26-Jan-2025 | Sunday | Republic Day (Falls on Sunday) |
| 2 | 26-Feb-2025 | Wednesday | Mahashivratri |
| 3 | 14-Mar-2025 | Friday | Holi |
| 4 | 31-Mar-2025 | Monday | Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid) |
| 5 | 10-Apr-2025 | Thursday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| 6 | 14-Apr-2025 | Monday | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 7 | 18-Apr-2025 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 8 | 01-May-2025 | Thursday | Maharashtra Day |
| 9 | 15-Aug-2025 | Friday | Independence Day / Parsi New Year |
| 10 | 27-Aug-2025 | Wednesday | Shri Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 11 | 02-Oct-2025 | Thursday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti / Dussehra |
| 12 | 21-Oct-2025 | Tuesday | Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Trading Holiday) |
| 13 | 22-Oct-2025 | Wednesday | Balipratipada |
| 14 | 05-Nov-2025 | Wednesday | Prakash Gurpurab – Guru Nanak Jayanti |
| 15 | 25-Dec-2025 | Thursday | Christmas |
Stock Market Holidays Falling on Weekends
| Sr. No | Date | Day | Holiday |
| 1 | 06-Apr-2025 | Sunday | Shri Ram Navami |
| 2 | 07-Jun-2025 | Saturday | Bakri Id |
| 3 | 06-Jul-2025 | Sunday | Muharram |
Special Trading Session
- Diwali Muhurat Trading: The market will remain closed for regular trading on 21-Oct-2025 (Tuesday) due to Diwali Laxmi Pujan, but Muhurat Trading will be conducted for a short period in the evening. The exact time will be notified later.
How do Stock Market Holidays Affect Trading?
Stock market holidays typically affect trading and investment decisions in multiple ways:
- Market Liquidity: Liquidity typically decreases before a holiday as traders avoid major positions before a market break.
- Stock Prices: Prices often show increased volatility before and after a holiday as investors adjust positions based on expected movements.
- Global Market Influence: Since markets operate on different schedules worldwide, international events occurring on a local holiday may impact prices when trading resumes.
- Corporate Announcements: Companies may release earnings reports or news after hours or on holidays, which can lead to price movements when trading reopens.
Conclusion
Stock market holidays are significant for all traders to note. When markets close, they follow national and religious celebrations. Holidays lower trading volumes and cause share prices to fluctuate more. Being conscious of upcoming market closures helps traders plan appropriately. Beginner investors can avoid surprises.
Experienced traders can time positions, knowing closures can increase volatility. Checking the holiday calendar, tracking financial news, and scheduling trades around closures allows for wise decisions. Overall, understanding stock market holidays enables investors to navigate trading smoothly.
