The Indian stock market will function normally on Wednesday, March 4, even as Holi celebrations continue in many parts of the country.
According to the official 2026 holiday calendar issued by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the trading holiday for Holi was observed on Tuesday, March 3. There is no exchange closure scheduled for March 4.
Official Holiday Calendar Clarifies Confusion
Both NSE and BSE follow a pre-announced annual trading holiday schedule. For 2026, March 3 was designated as the Holi trading holiday. As a result, equities, derivatives, and currency markets will operate as usual on March 4.
The variation in Holi celebration dates has led to some confusion among traders. However, exchange operations are governed strictly by the official calendar, not by regional observances.
Why Are Holi Dates Different?
The shift in celebrations this year is linked to lunar calendar variations and local traditions. In several regions, Holika Dahan was observed on March 2, while March 3 coincided with a lunar eclipse. Due to this, many communities have moved their primary Holi festivities to March 4.
The Reserve Bank of India’s holiday matrix also reflects these regional differences, as different states observe festivals such as Dol Jatra, Dhulandi, Holika Dahan, Dhuleti, and Yaosang on varying dates.
Upcoming Market Holidays in 2026
After Holi, the next stock market holidays in 2026 include:
- March 26 – Shri Ram Navami
- March 31 – Shri Mahavir Jayanti
- April – Good Friday and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti
- May – Maharashtra Day and Bakri Id
- June – Muharram
- September – Ganesh Chaturthi
- October – Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra
- November – Diwali-Balipratipada and Guru Nanak Jayanti (with Muhurat Trading on November 8 for Diwali Laxmi Pujan)
- December 25 – Christmas
For investors, the key point is straightforward: despite extended Holi festivities in some states, the markets will remain open on March 4. Trading across equities, derivatives, and currency segments will proceed without interruption.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
