The Indian stock market will observe its first holiday of the year on February 26, 2025, as it closes to honor Mahashivratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across the country. Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain closed on this day, with trading activities suspended across various segments including equities, derivatives, and currency markets.
Mahashivratri falls on the 14th day of the waning moon during the Hindu month of Phalguna, which typically occurs between late February and early March. This year, the day holds special significance as devotees engage in rituals and fasting to pay homage to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings and strength.
According to the holiday calendar released by the exchanges, regular trading will resume on Thursday, February 27. The closing on Mahashivratri is part of the NSE and BSE’s extensive holiday list, which comprises 14 trading holidays throughout the year.
Investors should note the upcoming market closures as they plan their trading activities. Following Mahashivratri, the next scheduled holidays will be:
- Holi: March 14
- Id-Ul-Fitr: March 31
- Mahavir Jayanti: April 10
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti: April 14
- Good Friday: April 18
- Maharashtra Day: May 1
- Independence Day: August 15
- Ganesh Chaturthi: August 27
Experts recommend staying updated with the market calendar to avoid any trading disruptions. Investors and traders should be particularly aware of the holidays during April and October, which will see the highest number of non-trading days, with three holidays each.
Market observers point to the tradition of halting trading activities during significant cultural events as integral to the operations of the BSE and NSE. Mahashivratri, viewed as one of the most auspicious days of the year, typically aligns with increased market activity before and after the observance, as traders adjust strategies around cultural practices.
While the stock markets will be closed for the day, many other sectors—including banking—may also observe closures. Banks may be closed on February 26, but ATMs and online banking services will likely remain operational. Customers are advised to check with local branches or refer to the Reserve Bank of India for any specifics on service availability during the holiday.
Looking back at the market performance leading up to Mahashivratri, there have been fluctuations with the Sensex recently marking levels above 74,000 before the holiday. On February 25, the stocks managed some gains, albeit within fluctuated trading volumes.
The Nifty index was reported to open slightly lower, reflecting the nervous market sentiments leading up to the holiday. With trading set to resume on February 27, market participants will be watching closely how equities react post-Mahashivratri.
Overall, Mahashivratri serves not only as a religious observance but also as a time for traders to pause and reflect amid the fast-paced financial markets. The trading reset on such auspicious days is seen as beneficial, aligning commerce with cultural heritage.
Investors are encouraged to plan accordingly during this unique time on the trading calendar, staying mindful of the careful balance between market operations and significant cultural events like Mahashivratri.