NSE and BSE remain closed on a set list of national and regional holidays each year, and knowing this calendar in advance helps traders plan settlement timelines, expiry dates, and avoid confusion about whether the market is open on a given day.
Key Takeaways
- NSE and BSE follow the same trading holiday calendar, announced in advance by the exchanges each year.
- Holidays include major national holidays as well as some regional and religious observances.
- Settlement timelines (T+1) shift around holidays, since settlement only counts trading days.
- F&O contract expiry dates are adjusted to the previous trading day if the scheduled expiry falls on a holiday.
- Checking the official exchange holiday calendar directly is the most reliable way to confirm market status for a specific date.
Why Trading Holidays Matter for Traders
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Settlement Timing | T+1 settlement only counts trading days, so holidays extend the actual calendar-day settlement period |
| F&O Expiry Adjustments | Expiry dates falling on a holiday are typically moved to the preceding trading day |
| Special Trading Sessions | Certain occasions, like Diwali Muhurat Trading, involve a special short session despite being a formal holiday |
| International Market Overlap | Indian holidays don’t necessarily align with US or other global market holidays, affecting overnight cue relevance |
How Holidays Affect Settlement and Expiry
Since Indian equity settlement operates on a T+1 trading-day basis, a holiday in between a trade date and its settlement date pushes the actual settlement further out on the calendar, even though the trading-day count remains the same. Similarly, monthly and weekly F&O contracts that would normally expire on a holiday are shifted to the last trading day before it.
Special Sessions: Muhurat Trading
Despite being a formal exchange holiday, Diwali sees a special “Muhurat Trading” session – a short, symbolic trading window considered auspicious by many market participants, distinct from the regular full-day trading calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NSE and BSE follow the same holiday calendar?
Yes, both exchanges typically observe the same trading holidays each year, announced in advance.
What happens to F&O expiry if it falls on a holiday?
The expiry date is generally moved to the last trading day before the scheduled holiday.
Does a trading holiday delay settlement of my trades?
Yes, since settlement counts only trading days, a holiday in between extends the actual calendar-day settlement period.
What is Muhurat Trading?
It’s a special, short trading session held on Diwali despite the day being a formal exchange holiday, considered auspicious by many traders.
Are Indian and US market holidays ever on the same day?
Not consistently – the two calendars don’t align, so it’s worth checking both independently when planning around overnight global cues.
Where can I find the official NSE/BSE holiday list for 2026?
The NSE and BSE official websites publish the annual trading holiday calendar, which is the most reliable source to confirm specific dates.
Planning Around the Trading Calendar
Knowing the holiday calendar in advance helps avoid confusion around settlement timing, expiry adjustments, and special sessions like Muhurat Trading throughout the year.
See also our guide to why markets close for trading holidays, our guide to reading Sensex and Nifty, or the Trade Day homepage.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Trading in securities, currencies, derivatives, and cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk. Trade Day is not a registered investment advisor and has no affiliation with any broker, exchange, or platform mentioned unless explicitly stated. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making financial decisions.
