The Indian stock market will remain open on Monday, May 12, 2025, despite the observance of Buddha Purnima, which is a public holiday in many states. This clarification comes as investors navigate ongoing market uncertainties amid geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) website, trading will continue as usual on both the BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Buddha Purnima. This decision is significant as it allows investors to engage in trading during a time when many are concerned about the market's stability.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty faced a notable decline, each dropping over 1 percent due to rising tensions. The Sensex fell by 880 points, closing at 79,454.47, while the Nifty 50 dropped 266 points to close at 24,008. This decline marked the end of a three-week winning streak for both indices, leaving investors pondering whether to invest during this downturn or wait for more stability.
Despite the market's operational status on Buddha Purnima, banks will be closed across nearly 14 states, including Tripura, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Delhi, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. This closure is due to the observance of Buddha Purnima, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha.
Bank customers should note that this closure follows an extended break, as banks will also be closed on Sunday, May 11, 2025, due to the regular weekend schedule. On Monday, May 12, 2025, banks will not operate, adding to the need for customers to plan their banking needs in advance.
For traders and investors, the stock market holiday schedule for 2025 indicates that there will be only one market holiday in May, which was for Maharashtra Day on May 1. The next holiday will not occur until August 15, 2025, for Independence Day, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27, 2025. This predictable schedule allows investors to strategize their trading activities effectively.
As the market continues to react to external pressures, the resilience of the Indian stock market is being tested. The recent sell-off indicates that investors are cautious, particularly with the backdrop of geopolitical tensions. On May 9, losses in sectors such as real estate, financials, and utilities contributed to the overall market downturn.
In the last trading session, top gainers included Titan, which surged over 4 percent after reporting a 13 percent increase in its consolidated profit after tax to Rs 871 crore for the March quarter. Similarly, Larsen & Toubro gained nearly 4 percent following a 25 percent rise in its consolidated profit to Rs 5,497 crore, driven by higher revenues.
Conversely, several stocks faced significant losses, including ICICI Bank, Power Grid, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, and Reliance Industries. The overall market valuation of BSE-listed companies decreased, leading to an approximate Rs 2 lakh crore loss for investors in just one session.
Looking ahead, the market's performance will be closely monitored as investors assess the implications of ongoing tensions and economic conditions. With Buddha Purnima approaching, traders can prepare for a day of trading while banks remain closed in many regions.
In summary, while the stock market will remain operational on Buddha Purnima, banks will be closed in several states, prompting customers to plan their transactions accordingly. As the market navigates through uncertainties, the focus will be on how investors respond to the evolving landscape in the coming weeks.