Stock Market Holidays in March 2026: For How Many Days Will NSE and BSE Remain Closed?

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have added to market volatility, and investors are now preparing for a truncated trading week in March. With Holi around the corner, it is important for traders not to confuse festival dates with official stock market holidays.

According to the 2026 trading calendar, the Indian stock market will remain closed on March 3, 2026, for Holi.

Stock Market Holidays in March 2026

Traders should adjust derivative expiry strategies, margin positions and settlement obligations in advance to avoid liquidity or rollover disruptions around holiday-shortened weeks. Trading on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain suspended on 3 occasions in March 2026.

On these dates, trading in the Equity Segment, Equity Derivatives Segment, Currency Derivatives Segment, NDS-RST and Tri-Party Repo segments will remain suspended.

Commodity Segment: Evening Session Open

While equity markets will remain closed on March 3, the Commodity Derivatives Segment and Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) Segment will remain shut only during the morning session. Trading will resume in the evening session from 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM on Holi.

Similarly, on March 26 and March 31, commodity trading will remain suspended during the day but will operate in the evening session.

Commodity participants should monitor global price movements during the daytime closure, especially amid ongoing geopolitical developments, as volatility may spill over into the evening session.

Holi 2026 Date Clarification

Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, 2026, with Holi (Rangawali Holi/Dhulandi) being celebrated on March 4. However, the stock market holiday falls on March 3, not March 4.

Read more: State-Wise Bank Holidays in March 2026.

Conclusion

With geopolitical risks elevated and multiple trading holidays lined up, investors and traders should plan positions carefully. Holiday-shortened weeks can amplify volatility and impact liquidity, making disciplined risk management essential.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.