Exchanges operate strictly according to their announced annual calendar, and March 3 was the scheduled closure for Holi this year. Although the festivities extend to March 4 in most states, there is no suspension of trading in the equities, derivatives or currency sectors on Wednesday.
Stock market holiday calendar 2026
In total, Indian exchanges will observe 15 business holidays in 2026, spanning important national and religious events. The next scheduled holidays are Ram Nami on March 26 and Mahavir Jayanti on March 31. Markets will be closed on April 3 for Good Friday and on April 14 for Ambedkar Jayanti. Maharashtra Day on May 1 will also be a non-constitutional day.
In the first half of the year, May 28 is Eid al-Adha and June 26 is Muharram as holidays. Later in the year, trade will be suspended for Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. The festival begins on October 20, followed by Diwali Balipartipada on November 10 and Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24. The last market holiday of 2026 will be on December 25.
Independence Day on August 15 falls on a weekend in 2026, meaning there is no additional weekend off beyond the regular Saturday break.
Markets are bracing for volatility due to war
The resumption of business comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions. Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran have destabilized global financial markets, sending oil prices soaring and prompting a shift toward risk aversion.
On Monday, Indian stocks saw heavy selling pressure as investors reacted to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Sensex and Nifty opened sharply higher and remained under pressure for most of the session before paring some internal losses. Broad indices, including midcaps and small caps, also declined, reflecting broader caution.
The main concern for Indian markets remains oil. Threatening energy flows through the Middle East, crude oil prices have risen sharply, fears of imported inflation, pressure on the rupee and a widening current account deficit. Any sustained volatility could complicate the interest rate outlook and weigh on corporate margins, particularly in oil-intensive sectors.
Market participants also factor in international cues. Wall Street quickly adjusted to the growing situation. Crude oil price movements and the duration of the conflict are likely to dictate near-term sentiment.
Technically, analysts say that the Nifty is nearing an important support level after the recent slide. A break below recent swing lows could extend the correction, while any stability in oil prices may offer room for a comfortable bounce.
Given the uncertain background, brokers advise investors to avoid aggressive positions and focus on capital preservation. With geopolitical developments still unfolding, the immediate outlook relies less on festival calendars and more on energy markets and global risk sentiment.
(Disclaimer: The suggestions, recommendations, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. They do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)
