For every investor and trader in the Indian equity market, the trading calendar is their bible. Knowing when the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are open or closed is not just a matter of convenience—it’s crucial for trade settlement, managing derivatives contracts, and planning investment strategies. A missed holiday can lead to failed trades and unexpected complications.
Why Knowing NSE Holidays is Critical for Your Portfolio
The markets don’t operate 24/7/365. They close on national public holidays, certain regional festivals, and weekends. These closures impact:
- Trade Settlements: The T+1 settlement cycle (Trade plus one day) means a trade executed on a Thursday must be settled by Friday. If Friday is a holiday, the settlement gets pushed to the next working day, affecting your funds and share credits.
- Derivatives Trading: Expiry days for Futures and Options (F&O) contracts are fixed. A holiday can sometimes alter the expiry schedule, which is critical information for derivatives traders.
- Fund Transfers: Banking holidays often, but not always, coincide with trading holidays. A mismatch can delay pay-in and pay-out of funds.
The Official List of NSE and BSE Holidays for 2025
The list of holidays is finalized by the exchanges well in advance and is categorized into three groups:
- Group A: Holidays applicable for both NSE and BSE (Clearing and Settlement).
- Group B: Holidays applicable for NSE (Capital Market Segment).
- Group C: Holidays applicable for BSE (Capital Market Segment).
The following table outlines the confirmed holidays for the calendar year 2025. It is important to note that the exchanges will release a final circular, and traders should always double-check on the official NSE website for any last-minute changes.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Exchange Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 26, 2025 | Sunday | Republic Day | National Holiday (Markets Closed) |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Friday | Maha Shivratri | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Friday | Holika Dahan | Group B (NSE Closed) |
| Mar 15, 2025 | Saturday | Holi | Group B (NSE Closed) |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Wednesday | Ram Navami | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| Apr 13, 2025 | Sunday | Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) | National Holiday (Markets Closed) |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Thursday | Mahavir Jayanti | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| Apr 18, 2025 | Friday | Good Friday | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| May 1, 2025 | Thursday | Maharashtra Day | Group C (BSE Closed) |
| Aug 15, 2025 | Friday | Independence Day | National Holiday (Markets Closed) |
| Aug 27, 2025 | Wednesday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Group C (BSE Closed) |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Thursday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | National Holiday (Markets Closed) |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Sunday | Dussehra (Maha Ashtami) | National Holiday (Markets Closed) |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Wednesday | Diwali Laxmi Pujan | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Thursday | Diwali Balipratipada | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Friday | Gurunanak Jayanti | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
| Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday | Christmas | Group A (NSE & BSE Closed) |
Table: NSE and BSE Holiday List for 2025. Data sourced from exchange circulars.
A Closer Look at Key Market Holidays
Ganesh Chaturthi (August 27, 2025)
As highlighted in recent news, a key upcoming holiday is Ganesh Chaturthi on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. This is an important regional holiday, particularly in Maharashtra, where the BSE is headquartered.
- Impact: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain closed for trading on this day. However, in a departure from the norm, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain OPEN for trading. This is a classic example of a “Group C” holiday. Traders must be vigilant as this can lead to confusion; while equity trading will occur on NSE, the settlement systems connected to Mumbai banks may experience delays.
Diwali: The Muhurat Trading Session
Diwali is not just a holiday; it’s a special event on the trading calendar. In 2025, Diwali Laxmi Pujan is on October 22 (Wednesday) and Balipratipada is on October 23 (Thursday), with both days being full market holidays.
- The Unique Muhurat Trading: However, on the evening of October 21, 2025 (Tuesday), the exchanges will hold a special one-hour “Muhurat Trading” session. This is a cherished tradition where investors make symbolic trades to usher in prosperity for the new Samvat year (Hindu calendar year). It’s a live session with full trading and settlement, and volumes are often robust. The exact timings for the Muhurat trading session are announced by the exchanges closer to the date.
What Happens on a Trading Holiday?
- No trading takes place in the Equity, Equity Derivatives, and SLB segments.
- The currency and commodity derivatives markets also remain closed.
- All clearing and settlement activities are paused.
- Banks, typically located in the same region as the exchange observing the holiday, will also be closed, halting all fund transfers.
How to Stay Updated on Market Holidays
- Bookmark the Official Pages: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates all exchanges, and their directives are final. The NSE and BSE websites have dedicated holiday circular sections.
- Follow Reputable Financial News: Portals like the Economic Times Markets section promptly report any changes to the trading calendar.
- Check with Your Broker: Your stockbroker’s platform and app will always reflect the most current trading and holiday schedule. They often send notifications to their clients about impending holidays.
Planning Your Trading Year with Confidence
Having the 2025 NSE and BSE holiday list at your fingertips empowers you to be a more disciplined and prepared market participant. You can now plan your entries, exits, and expiries around these dates, ensuring smooth settlements and avoiding technical glitches.