As the financial world gears up for another bustling year, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India has released its official holiday calendar for 2025, outlining the days when trading will take a pause. For investors, traders, and market enthusiasts, understanding these non-trading days is essential for planning strategies, managing portfolios, and aligning financial moves with market rhythms. With today’s date being Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the first holiday of the year is just around the corner. Let’s dive into the full list of NSE holidays for 2025 and explore what they mean for the Indian stock market.
Overview of NSE Holidays in 2025
The NSE, one of India’s leading stock exchanges, will observe 14 trading holidays in 2025, spanning national celebrations, cultural festivals, and significant regional observances. These holidays apply to the equity, equity derivatives, and Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) segments, ensuring a uniform break across key trading activities. Regular trading hours—9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday—will remain in effect on all other weekdays, with no sessions on weekends unless specified otherwise.
In addition to these closures, the NSE has scheduled a special Muhurat Trading session on October 21, 2025, for Diwali Laxmi Pujan, a symbolic one-hour trading event steeped in tradition. Some holidays also coincide with weekends, reducing their impact on the trading schedule. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Full List of NSE Trading Holidays for 2025
- February 26 (Wednesday) – Mahashivratri
The first holiday of the year honors Lord Shiva, a major Hindu festival. Markets will be closed tomorrow, February 26, giving traders a midweek breather. - March 14 (Friday) – Holi
The festival of colors will see the NSE shut down, marking the second closure of the year and creating a long weekend for those planning ahead. - March 31 (Monday) – Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid)
This Muslim festival, marking the end of Ramadan, brings another market holiday, subject to lunar sightings which may slightly shift the date. - April 10 (Thursday) – Shri Mahavir Jayanti
Commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira, a key Jain festival, this holiday reflects India’s diverse cultural fabric. - April 14 (Monday) – Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti
Honoring the architect of India’s Constitution, this day keeps markets closed in tribute to his legacy. - April 18 (Friday) – Good Friday
A significant Christian observance, this holiday aligns with global financial calendars, offering another long weekend opportunity. - May 1 (Thursday) – Maharashtra Day
Celebrating the formation of Maharashtra state, this regional holiday is widely observed in Mumbai, the NSE’s home base. - August 15 (Friday) – Independence Day
India’s national holiday commemorating freedom from British rule ensures a market closure and a patriotic pause. - August 27 (Wednesday) – Ganesh Chaturthi
This vibrant festival, especially big in Maharashtra, will see the NSE take a day off to join the celebrations. - October 2 (Thursday) – Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra
A dual celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth and the triumph of good over evil in Hindu tradition, this holiday is a major national event. - October 21 (Tuesday) – Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Muhurat Trading)
While the day is a holiday, the NSE will host its annual Muhurat Trading session, with timings to be announced closer to the date. It’s a brief, auspicious trading window for prosperity. - October 22 (Wednesday) – Diwali Balipratipada
Following Diwali, this holiday marks the start of the Hindu New Year in some regions, keeping markets closed. - November 5 (Wednesday) – Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti
Celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, the Sikh founder, this holiday brings a midweek break. - December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas
The final holiday of 2025 aligns with global celebrations, closing the year on a festive note.
Holidays Falling on Weekends
Several significant occasions fall on Saturdays or Sundays, thus not affecting the trading schedule:
- January 26 (Sunday) – Republic Day
- April 6 (Sunday) – Shri Ram Navami
- June 7 (Saturday) – Bakri Id
- July 6 (Sunday) – Muharram
These weekend overlaps mean the NSE’s 14 weekday holidays remain the primary focus for market participants.
Special Trading Session
Beyond the holidays, the NSE has planned a unique event: a full trading session on Saturday, February 1, 2025, coinciding with the Union Budget presentation. This rare weekend opening allows traders to react live to fiscal announcements, a treat for market watchers.
Why It Matters
For a stock exchange with a market capitalization exceeding $5 trillion and ranking among the world’s top derivatives markets, these holidays aren’t just breaks—they’re a reflection of India’s rich cultural tapestry. They give traders and investors time to recharge while aligning the market with national and regional sentiments. However, they also require careful planning. Weekly option expiries, typically on Thursdays, may shift to the prior day if a holiday intervenes, as seen with festivals like Diwali or Independence Day\
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Looking Ahead
As of today, February 25, 2025, the NSE is gearing up for its first closure tomorrow, Mahashivratri. With 13 more holidays to follow, including three each in April and October, traders can expect a year punctuated by pauses—some offering long weekends, others midweek respites. The Muhurat Trading session on October 21 will be a highlight, blending tradition with market optimism.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a casual observer, keeping this calendar handy ensures you’re never caught off guard. So, mark your dates, plan your trades, and enjoy the festive breaks—2025 promises to be a dynamic year in India’s financial landscape!