Stock Market Holiday Update: After a volatile period of weeks, the markets are offering a brief respite to the investors as the Indian markets are on scheduled holidays. The fall in the benchmark indices and the selling of stocks by foreign investors, along with the tensions between countries, are making the situation uncertain on the Dalal Street markets. The scheduled holidays are a welcome relief to the traders and investors as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) follow a holiday calendar and the investors check the schedules before making investments.
Is Stock Market Closed or Open Today
The stock markets in India are closed on April 1, 2026, as Mahavir Jayanti is a public holiday. This implies that there is no trading activity in equity, equity derivatives and currency segments on NSE and BSE exchanges.
However, the commodity market will follow a partial schedule:
- Morning Session: Closed
- Evening Session (MCX): Open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
This holiday reduces the number of trading sessions this week, giving investors limited opportunities to respond to global developments.
Why is Stock Market Closed
The market remains closed to observe Mahavir Jayanti, a public holiday in India and stock exchanges typically close for major national and religious holidays.
The major reasons for the stock exchange holiday are:
- Observance of religious holiday
- Reduced institutional participation
- Settlement and banking closures
- Standard exchange holiday calendar
Such scheduled closures help maintain smooth settlement and trading operations.
Are NSE and BSE Open on April 2 and 3?
- April 2, 2026 – Markets Open
- April 3, 2026 – Markets Closed for Good Friday
This means markets will function only three days this week, creating a long weekend for investors and reduced liquidity in trading sessions.
Upcoming Stock Market Holidays in 2026
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
|
April 1 |
Wednesday |
Mahavir Jayanti |
|
April 3 |
Friday |
Good Friday |
|
April 14 |
Tuesday |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
|
May 1 |
Friday |
Maharashtra Day |
|
May 28 |
Thursday |
Bakri Id |
|
June 26 |
Friday |
Muharram |
|
September 14 |
Monday |
Ganesh Chaturthi |
|
October 2 |
Friday |
Gandhi Jayanti |
|
October 20 |
Tuesday |
Dussehra |
|
November 10 |
Tuesday |
Diwali Balipratipada |
|
November 24 |
Tuesday |
Guru Nanak Jayanti |
|
December 25 |
Friday |
Christmas |
Impact on Stock Market
- Less trading sessions may result in volatility
- Less liquidity may result in volatility
- Investors may shy away from new positions
- Global markets may influence markets when they open
- FII selling may continue even after holidays
- Oil price movements may influence energy stocks
- Banking and financial sector stocks may experience cautious trading
- IT sector stocks may follow global markets
Recent trends indicate Nifty 50 has slipped by 10 percent in March, recording one of its worst declines in 2020. Foreign investors also pulled out more than Rs 1.11 lakh crore from Indian markets, adding pressure to markets.
LPG Prices Under Pressure Amid Iran War
Commercial LPG rates have gone up by Rs 195.50 since April 1, taking the price of a 19-kg LPG cylinder to Rs 2,078.50 in Delhi. Domestic LPG rates have remained steady at Rs 913.
Reasons behind the hike:
- Rising crude oil prices
- Iran conflict impacting supply
- Global energy market volatility
- Increased transportation costs
Crude oil prices have gone up by almost 50% over the past few days.
What Investors Should Know
- Markets remain closed on April 1 and April 3, leaving only limited trading sessions this week
- April 2 will be the only full trading session between two holidays, which may see cautious trading
- Fewer trading days can lead to higher volatility when markets reopen
- Global developments, especially oil prices and geopolitical tensions and may impact sentiment
- Foreign Institutional Investors (FII’s) have been selling heavily, adding pressure on indices
- Long weekend may result in gap-up or gap-down opening based on global market movement
- Investors may prefer defensive and low-risk strategies until market stability improves
FAQ’s: Stock Market Holiday
1. Is stock market open on April 1, 2026?
No, NSE and BSE are closed due to Mahavir Jayanti.
2. Is MCX open on April 1?
Yes, only evening session from 5 PM.
3. Is market closed on April 2?
No, markets will remain open on April 2.
4. Why are markets volatile recently?
Global tensions, oil price rise, and foreign investor selling.
5. Will markets recover after holidays?
Market direction will depend on global developments and oil prices.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.