NSE Trading Breaks 2025: Will the Stock Market Operate on Maha Shivratri (February 26)?

Investors and traders always keep a close watch on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) holiday calendar to plan their trading activities efficiently. With Maha Shivratri falling on February 26 in 2025, many are wondering whether the stock market will function on this important Hindu festival.

To clarify this, let’s go through the NSE trading schedule for 2025, the significance of Maha Shivratri, and how stock market holidays impact traders and investors.

1. Is NSE Open or Closed on Maha Shivratri 2025?

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) follow a predefined holiday schedule issued at the beginning of each financial year.

Maha Shivratri falls on February 26, 2025 – A widely celebrated Hindu festival observed across India.
Stock Market Closure – As per the official NSE holiday list, trading will remain closed for the entire day on Maha Shivratri.
No Trading in Equity and Derivatives Segments – Investors will not be able to trade in equity, derivatives, or currency markets on this day.
Commodity Market Timings – The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) usually allows trading in the evening session, but confirmation from the exchange is necessary.

If you are an active trader or investor, it’s essential to be aware of such closures to avoid last-minute surprises and plan your investment strategies accordingly.

2. Complete List of NSE Holidays in 2025

To help traders stay ahead, here’s a full list of scheduled holidays for the NSE stock market in 2025:

Equity and Derivatives Market Holidays 2025

Note – If a holiday falls on a weekend, there will be no additional trading break on the preceding or following weekday.

For commodities, trading may resume in the evening session on certain holidays.

3. Why is Maha Shivratri a Stock Market Holiday?

Maha Shivratri, meaning "The Great Night of Shiva", is a significant Hindu festival marked by prayers, fasting, and night-long vigils. It is a public holiday in many states, leading to:

Low Trading Activity – Since a large portion of investors and brokers take the day off, stock market participation drops significantly.
Bank Closures – Many banks remain closed, affecting fund transfers and settlement transactions.
Market Stability Considerations – The NSE and BSE declare holidays on major national and religious festivals to prevent irregular market fluctuations.

Given these factors, NSE remains closed on Maha Shivratri each year.

4. How Stock Market Holidays Impact Investors and Traders?

Stock market holidays, like Maha Shivratri, influence traders in multiple ways:

No Trading Opportunities – Since the market remains shut, investors cannot buy or sell shares on this day.
Delayed Settlements – Orders placed on the previous trading day get settled on the next available business day.
Market Reaction Before and After a Holiday – Traders often witness higher volatility before a holiday as participants adjust their positions in advance.
Global Markets Continue – International markets like the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) and LSE (London Stock Exchange) remain open, which can influence stock movements once NSE reopens.

Hence, traders must factor in these holidays while making their financial plans.

5. Trading Tips for Investors Around Market Holidays

To stay ahead, investors should follow these trading strategies during stock market holidays:

Check the Official NSE Holiday List – Stay updated on trading breaks to avoid last-minute confusion.
Adjust Your Trading Positions in Advance – If you are an intraday trader, close your positions before the holiday to avoid risks.
Review International Market Trends – Since global markets operate during Indian holidays, they may impact stock prices when NSE reopens.
Plan for Settlement Delays – Transactions will be processed on the next working day, so plan your withdrawals accordingly.
Monitor Pre-Holiday Market Movements – Investors often adjust their holdings before a holiday, leading to price fluctuations.

Proper planning ensures that market holidays don’t disrupt your investment strategy.

6. When Will Trading Resume After Maha Shivratri?

Since Maha Shivratri falls on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the stock market will reopen as usual on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Trading Resumption Details:

Equity Market Reopens – Trading in stocks and derivatives will resume at 9:15 AM (IST) on February 27.
Pre-Open Session Timing – The market’s pre-opening phase starts at 9:00 AM (IST) for order collection.
Commodity Market Timings – The MCX evening session may be open on Maha Shivratri, but normal trading resumes on February 27.

Conclusion – Plan Your Trades Around NSE Holidays

For traders and investors, knowing NSE holidays like Maha Shivratri (February 26, 2025) is crucial for efficient market participation. Since NSE and BSE will remain closed for the day, planning ahead is key to avoiding last-minute trading disruptions.

NSE and BSE will be shut on Maha Shivratri, February 26, 2025.
Stock market operations will resume on February 27, 2025.
Understanding trading holidays can help in better financial planning.
Investors should manage their positions before market closures to avoid settlement delays.

With this information, traders can navigate NSE holidays effectively and make informed decisions in the stock market.