As there is a series of festivals lined up in the coming days, investors are curious whether the stock markets will be closed or not and whether there will be a trading halt during the celebration of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-ul-Fitr.
Currently, the stock markets in India are expected to remain open on March 19 and 20. The official holiday calendar of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) suggests that there are no trading holidays scheduled between March 19 and March 21.
Festivals such as Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, marking the traditional New Year in some states, coincide with March 19 this year. These festivals are celebrated across various states, including Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Similarly, Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on March 20 in India, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Though these festivals hold significant importance in the country, none of these festivals is declared as a trading holiday by the stock exchanges.
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Therefore, trading in all segments, including equities, derivatives, currency, and commodities, would continue as usual on both March 19 and 20.
Why markets remain unaffected
The stock market holidays in India are based on a pre-set annual calendar. However, not all public and regional festivals result in stock market holidays. This may confuse investors that during festivals, stock markets are closed. However, that is not the case.
The only stock market holiday during this period is on March 21, which is a Saturday. It is just a weekend holiday.
Upcoming trading holidays in March
March also has some market holidays lined up in the coming days of the month. On the 26th, trading will be closed on Shri Ram Navami, and again on the 31st, trading will be closed on Shri Mahavir Jayanti.
Also Read | Eid 2026 date confusion: Will schools stay closed on March 20 or 21?
As per the 2026 calendar, the trading holidays for the year are 15 in number. Till now, three trading holidays have occurred, including Republic Day and Holi.
Investors and traders are advised to follow the official exchange holiday list rather than relying on guesses regarding the holidays. It is important to keep an eye on the calendar to avoid confusion and plan trading accordingly during the festive season.
