Holi 2026: Indian Stock Markets to Shut on March 3 — Full Trading Holiday Schedule for NSE and BSE

By Siddhi Jain | Mar 2, 2026, 18:28 IST

Investors and traders across India are confused about the exact date of Holi in 2026, with many wondering whether the stock market will remain closed on March 3 or March 4. However, there is no uncertainty when it comes to the official trading holiday for the stock market. According to the official holiday calendar released by the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange, equity markets will remain closed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in observance of Holi.

This means that there will be no trading or settlement activity in key segments such as equities, equity derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB). Market participants are advised to plan their trades accordingly before the holiday.

Stock Market Closed on March 3 for Holi

Despite the confusion among the public regarding the exact date of Holi celebrations in different regions, the stock market follows a fixed holiday schedule. As per the official list, March 3 has been designated as a full trading holiday.

On this day:

Equity markets will remain closed.
Derivatives trading will also be halted.
No settlement processes will take place in the securities lending and borrowing segment.

This closure applies to all investors, including retail traders, institutional investors, and brokerage firms operating across India.

Commodity Market Timings on Holi

While the stock market will remain fully closed, the commodity market will operate partially. Trading on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India will follow a different schedule.

The morning trading session will remain closed.
The evening session will open from 5:00 PM and continue until 11:55 PM.

This partial trading schedule allows commodity traders to participate in global price movements that occur later in the day.

Other Stock Market Holidays in March 2026

Holi is not the only holiday for stock market participants in March. According to the official exchange calendar, there are two additional market holidays later in the month:

March 26, 2026 (Thursday) – Markets closed for Ram Navami.
March 31, 2026 (Tuesday) – Markets closed for Mahavir Jayanti.

Investors should keep these dates in mind while planning their trading strategies and settlement cycles.

Complete List of Major Stock Market Holidays in 2026

Apart from the March holidays, several other festivals and national observances will also result in stock market closures during 2026. These include:

April 3 – Good Friday
April 14 – Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti
May 1 – Maharashtra Day
May 28 – Bakrid (Eid al-Adha)
June 26 – Muharram
September 14 – Ganesh Chaturthi
October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti
October 20 – Dussehra
November 10 – Diwali
November 24 – Guru Nanak Jayanti
December 25 – Christmas

Such holidays are announced in advance by the exchanges to help investors plan trades without disruptions.

Regular Trading Hours of the Indian Stock Market

Under normal circumstances, the Indian stock market operates five days a week, from Monday to Friday. The standard trading schedule is as follows:

Pre-open session: 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM
Regular trading session: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM

Markets remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays, except for special trading sessions announced occasionally by the exchanges.

Global Tensions May Impact Market Sentiment

Meanwhile, market analysts believe that geopolitical developments could influence market sentiment when trading resumes. Rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, have raised concerns about potential disruptions in global oil supply routes.

Investors are closely monitoring these developments, as fluctuations in crude oil prices and global markets often impact Indian equities. As a result, market volatility may continue in the coming sessions.