The Indian stock market will remain open on Wednesday, March 4, even as many parts of the country continue celebrating Holi. The official trading holiday this year was on Tuesday, March 3, and there will be no exchange closure on Wednesday.
OFFICIAL CALENDAR RULES THE DAY
Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) follow a pre-declared holiday calendar. For 2026, March 3 was the designated trading holiday for Holi. While many states are observing Holi festivities on March 4 due to timing shifts caused by a lunar eclipse, trading will go on as usual across equities, derivatives, and currency markets.
This distinction has caused some confusion for traders who were unsure whether the markets would remain shut on Wednesday. According to the official exchange calendar, trading resumes on March 4, regardless of regional Holi celebrations.
WHY THE DATES DIFFER
The difference in celebration dates is linked to both local traditions and the lunar calendar. Holika Dahan was observed in several regions on March 2, while March 3 coincided with a lunar eclipse, prompting many communities to move the main Holi festivities to March 4.
The Reserve Bank of India’s holiday matrix reflects these regional variations. While March 3 is officially marked as Holi (second day), Dol Jatra, Dhulandi, Holika Dahan or Attukal Pongala are celebrated in different states. March 4, meanwhile, is recognised as Holi second day, Dhuleti or Yaosang second day in certain regions.
NEXT MARKET HOLIDAYS IN 2026
After Holi, the Indian stock market will observe several other holidays over the year. Markets will close on March 26 for Shri Ram Navami and March 31 for Shri Mahavir Jayanti. In April, Good Friday and Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti will see market closures, while May includes Maharashtra Day and Bakri Id.
June will observe Muharram, and there will be no holidays in July and August. September marks Ganesh Chaturthi, and October has Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra. November features Diwali-Balipratipada and Prakash Gurpurab Sri Guru Nanak Dev, with a special Muhurat Trading session on November 8 for Diwali Laxmi Pujan. December closes the year with Christmas on the 25th.
Meanwhile, for investors and traders, the key takeaway is simple: while Holi celebrations might continue across India on March 4, the markets will operate as usual. This ensures that trading in stocks, derivatives, and currencies continues uninterrupted, allowing market participants to plan their transactions without worrying about holiday closures.
