NSE Holidays: What You Need to Know About Stock Market Closures in India

When you're investing in the Indian stock market, knowing the NSE holidays, the official days when the National Stock Exchange of India suspends trading. Also known as stock market holidays, these dates directly impact when you can buy, sell, or settle trades. Missing a holiday can mean delayed transactions, missed dividend payouts, or even unexpected exposure to weekend risk if you're not planning ahead.

The National Stock Exchange, India’s largest financial market platform for equities, derivatives, and mutual funds follows a fixed calendar each year, closing for national holidays, religious festivals, and occasional special events. These aren’t random — they align with public holidays declared by the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India. For example, Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Independence Day all trigger full market closures. Even partial closures happen on certain days like the last Friday of the month when clearing and settlement systems wind down early. What most investors don’t realize is that holidays in Prayagraj, a major administrative and cultural hub in Uttar Pradesh don’t affect NSE operations — the exchange runs from Mumbai, and its calendar is national, not regional.

Understanding these dates isn’t just about avoiding frustration. It’s about strategy. If you’re using SIPs in mutual funds, a holiday can delay your debit from your bank. If you’re trading options, a holiday right before expiry can change your risk profile. And if you’re waiting for dividend payouts, the record date and ex-date still move forward even when the market is closed — so you need to know when the market reopens to actually receive your money. The Section 80C, a tax-saving provision under India’s Income Tax Act allowing deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh investments like ELSS or PPF also rely on timely transactions — missing a market day could delay your investment window.

There’s no single place where all NSE holidays are updated in real time, but the exchange publishes the official calendar every December for the next year. You’ll find it on their website, and it’s also shared with banks, brokers, and mutual fund platforms. Many investors still rely on old lists from 2023 or 2024 — which can be dangerous. For instance, in 2025, the market will be closed on January 26 (Republic Day), March 25 (Mahashivratri), and October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), but also on lesser-known days like Muharram and Guru Nanak Jayanti. These aren’t just days off — they’re critical touchpoints in your financial rhythm.

What’s more, holidays often cluster around major religious events, especially in cities like Prayagraj, a city known for its deep spiritual significance and massive gatherings like the Kumbh Mela, where local activity slows down. But again — the NSE doesn’t close because of local events. It closes because the national banking and settlement systems pause. So even if you’re in Prayagraj, Allahabad, Delhi, or Bengaluru, the same calendar applies. The only difference? Your personal schedule might be busier with family events — and that’s exactly when you need to be extra careful about your trading calendar.

Plan ahead. Mark these dates on your phone, calendar, or investment tracker. Don’t wait for your broker to remind you — they might not. And don’t assume your bank’s holiday list matches the NSE’s. They often don’t. If you’re holding stocks, mutual funds, or derivatives, every holiday is a silent player in your portfolio. Know them. Respect them. Use them to your advantage.

Below, you’ll find a collection of articles that dig into how holidays affect your money — from dividend timelines and tax-saving deadlines to how market closures ripple through your investments. Whether you’re new to trading or have been investing for years, these insights will help you stay one step ahead.