NSE Holidays 2026: Complete Stock Market Holiday Calendar & Planner

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has released the official holiday calendar for 2026, outlining the days when the Indian stock market will remain closed for trading across equity and derivatives segments. Keeping track of these dates is essential for traders, investors, and portfolio managers — especially for planning trade entries, exits, option expiries, risk management, and strategy cycles throughout the year.

In total, the NSE will be closed for trading on 15 days in 2026, including national holidays, major festivals, and cultural observances. (mint)

📅 NSE Trading Holidays 2026 – Full Calendar

Here’s the verified list of NSE holidays for 2026 when the market will be completely shut:

📍 These holidays apply to both NSE and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) across equity, equity derivatives, and currency derivatives segments unless specified otherwise by exchange circulars. (Sahi)

📌 Weekend Holidays (No Market Impact)

Several traditional festival days fall on Saturdays or Sundays and do not result in additional market closures because markets are already off on weekends:

• Feb 15, 2026 – Mahashivratri (Sunday)
• Mar 21, 2026 – Id-Ul-Fitr (Saturday)
• Aug 15, 2026 – Independence Day (Saturday)
• Nov 08, 2026 – Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Sunday; Muhurat Trading will be conducted) (Angel One)

📊 Special Note: Muhurat Trading 2026

Although Diwali Laxmi Pujan (08 Nov 2026) falls on a Sunday (when markets are closed), NSE traditionally conducts a Muhurat Trading session — a short, symbolic session held during auspicious hours to welcome the new financial year. This session will be announced closer to the date. (Angel One)

Muhurat trading is not a full trading day but a cultural tradition many traders participate in with token buy orders and small long-term positions. It symbolizes prosperity, discipline, and new beginnings — aligning perfectly with the spiritual aspect of market participation.

🧠 Why NSE Holiday Awareness Matters for Traders

Being aware of NSE holidays isn’t just about planning days off — it’s about strategic market participation. Here’s how calendar awareness helps traders and investors:

🔹 Option & Futures Expiry Planning

When holidays affect scheduled expiry dates, contract expiration may shift — especially for weekly and monthly options. Awareness prevents unexpected rollover risk.

🔹 Liquidity & Volatility Patterns

Holiday weeks often see lower market participation, thinner liquidity, and altered volatility — impactful for intraday and swing trading strategies.

🔹 Trade Execution Timing

Knowing closures ahead of time helps you plan entry/exit levels, avoid unexpected gaps, set correct stop losses, and manage overnight risk.

🔹 Seasonal & Cultural Cycles

Many traders notice seasonal trends around major holidays — such as pre-festival bullishness or post-holiday corrections — because of shifts in market psychology.

🗓 Long Weekends & Planning Opportunities

2026 offers several long weekends due to holiday placements, providing traders with happy breaks and strategic pauses to evaluate portfolios and revise plans. (The Economic Times)

📌 Quick Summary

• 📆 Total NSE Market Holidays (2026): 15 days
• 🎯 Key festivals affecting market closures: Holi, Diwali, Christmas
• 🌙 Weekend holidays with no closure impact: Mahashivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Independence Day
• 🪔 Muhurat Trading on Diwali Laxmi Pujan (special session only) (Sahi)

✨ Final Thoughts

For professional traders and serious investors, the holiday calendar is as essential as technical indicators or macro data. Knowing the NSE holiday schedule empowers you to:

✔ Plan trades and risk around closures
✔ Optimize option and futures strategies
✔ Use holiday cycles as part of a disciplined trading system
✔ Align financial planning with personal and cultural rhythms

Stay prepared, and let every pause in the market become part of your strategic advantage.