India's primary stock exchanges, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), are closed today, Thursday, in observance of Ram Navami. According to the official holiday calendar, trading across equity, equity derivatives, and Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) segments remains suspended for the entire duration of the day. Normal trading operations are scheduled to resume on the next working day. This closure marks one of the scheduled holidays for the current month, impacting the overall weekly trading volume.
Operational Status of Commodity Exchanges
The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) is following a split-session schedule for the Ram Navami holiday. The morning session, which typically runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, remains closed. However, trading will resume for the evening session, starting from 5:00 PM and concluding at 11:30 PM. On the other hand, the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX), which primarily deals in agricultural commodities, will remain closed for both the morning and evening sessions today, as per the exchange's notification.
Upcoming Short Trading Weeks and Holidays
Trading activity is expected to remain subdued over the next few days due to a series of upcoming holidays. The market calendar indicates that within the next eight days, the exchanges will be closed for two additional days. Next week will feature only three trading sessions, leading to an extended long weekend for market participants. The markets will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for Mahavir Jayanti, and on Friday, April 3, 2026, for Good Friday. These scheduled breaks often lead to adjustments in settlement cycles and margin requirements.
Comprehensive Stock Market Holiday List for 2026
For the calendar year 2026, a total of 16 trading holidays have been designated by the exchanges. Following the current break for Ram Navami, the month of April will see another closure on April 14, 2026, in honor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, while other significant holidays in the first half of the year include Maharashtra Day on May 1 and Bakri Id on May 28. These holidays are strictly observed by both the BSE and NSE, ensuring that all clearing and settlement functions are aligned with the banking holidays as well.
Market Schedule for the Second Half of 2026
The latter half of 2026 also contains several scheduled non-trading days. Muharram will be observed on June 26, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. In the final quarter, the markets will remain shut for Dussehra on October 20, Diwali Balipratipada on November 10, and Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24. The final holiday of the year is scheduled for December 25, 2026, on account of Christmas. Market participants are required to track these dates for timely management of their positions and delivery obligations.