How to Analyse a Stock Before Investing in India
February 18, 2026

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When you want to plan your trades and investments, you need to know whether the stock market is open or closed. Understanding NSE trading hours is essential for timing your entries and exits effectively. NSE (National Stock Exchange) observes various holidays throughout the year for national celebrations, festivals, and public occasions.
If you’re a day trader,r or a swing trader for entries and exits, long-term investor. This complete NSE Holiday 2026 calendar will help you recommend better and help to avoid last-minute surprises.
On all days, markets are fully closed on these dates across all major segments.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 26 January 2026 | Monday | Republic day |
| 3 March 2026 | Tuesday | Holi |
| 26 March 2026 | Thrusday | Shri Ram Navami |
| 31 March 2026 | Tuesday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 14 April 2026 | Tuesday | Dr. Baba saheb Ambedkar jayanti |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Maharashtra Day |
| 28 May 2026 | Thrusday | Bakri Id |
| 26 June 2026 | Friday | Muhurram |
| 14 September 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 2 October 2026 | Friday | Mahatma gandhi jayanti |
| 20 October 2026 | Tuesday ` | Dussehra |
| 10 November 2026 | Tuesday | Diwali-Balipratipada |
| 24 November 2026 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak jayanti |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas |
Note: Those Holiday which are falling on weekends (Saturday/Sunday) have not been mentioned in additional weekday closures. Holidays on weekends in 2026 include Mahashivratri (15 Feb, Sunday), Id-Ul-Fitr (21 Mar, Sunday), Independence Day ( 15 Aug, Saturday), and Diwali Laxmi Pujan (8 Now, Sunday).
The Commodity Derivatives segment follows the same closure as equity but may have partial sessions that cover domestic festivals to align with global markets. Full closure may usually see in Republic Day, Good Friday, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, and Christmas.
NSE Trading hours should be the same as during holidays. Here are the complete holidays that have been described below :
| Session | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-opening session | 09:00 AM -09: 15 AM | Order collection and price discovery |
| Normal Trading | 09:15 AM -03:30 PM | Regular buying and selling |
| Closing session | 03:40 PM - 04: 00 PM | Post-closing order matching |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09: 00 AM - 09:08 AM | Order entry needs clarification |
| 09: 08 AM - 09:12 AM | Order matching and trade confirmation |
| 09: 12 AM - 09: 15 AM | Buffer period as of now, no order accepted |
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM: Very high volatility, the biggest volume. The entire hour is very important for movements overnight and morning momentum, where traders profit by taking positions according to these trends.
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM: Very active period before the market closes. Traders usually spot key reversal signalsduringf this period.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Traders make last-minute adjustments and close positions. Options traders are especially alert to monitor changes during this vital time frame, particularly on weekly expiry days. Understanding market movements during these peak periods allows traders to evaluate market sentiment and take corresponding positions.
Being aware of the shifts in the market during these peak periods allows the traders to evaluate the market mood to take the corresponding position.
Muhurat Trading is a unique and specific one-hour trading session that occurs on the evening of Diwali, thus starting the new Samvat year as per the Hindu calendar.
This fortunate trading session is the most-awaited event along with the Indian stock market calendar and is also marked in the NSE Market Holidays 2026 timetable.
Muhurat Trading is considered the ritualistic commencement of the new financial year according to the Hindu calendar. The term "Muhurat" is synonymous with a favorable time, and this trading session is seen by market participants as very auspicious for new investments and launching new financial ventures. For detailed information about Muhurat Trading timings and guidelines, you can refer to our comprehensive guide, which is also mentioned in the NSE Market Holiday List.
The term "Muhurat" is synonymous with a favorable time, and this trading session is seen by the market participants as very good for new investments and the launching of new financial ventures, a point also mentioned in the NSE Market Holiday List.
NSE publicizes the exact timing of Muhurat Trading a few days before the festival of Diwali. Generally, this one-hour session takes place in the evening on Diwali during the time considered most auspicious according to the Hindu panchang.
Investors usually refer to the NSE market holiday calendar to keep themselves informed about special sessions like Muhurat Trading.
Timings are different from regular trading hours: Muhurat Trading is a unique trading session of one hour that usually takes place in the evening. A few days before Diwali, NSE reveals the time slots (generally from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM) for Muhurat Trading.
Expect higher volatility: Normally, one minute during the session equates to a whole day. Thus, short and heavy participation has the potential to make the price swings die down or come closer to the normal level on such days.
Many traders do token buying: People involved in this session are mainly making purchases not for the market analysis but for good luck and prosperity in the new Samvat year, instead of the small, symbolic purchases basis.
Available across multiple segments: This session is open for Equity, Equity Derivatives (F&O), Currency Derivatives, and sometimes even Commodity Derivatives (as per NSE's announcement). If you're new to trading, understanding the differences between equity and derivatives segments can help you make informed decisions during this special trading session.
Not ideal for aggressive intraday trades: New investors should not try to handle the fast-trading situation in the market or take large risks. Buy shares of good companies with a long-term holding perspective.
Great for auspicious investments: New investments or portfolio increases with a positive mindset are considered lucky times.
Always check official updates: Timings and segment availability may differ slightly from year to year. To avoid surprises, check the final schedule on the NSE website or your broker's app. Understanding how stockbrokers work and which platform suits your trading style can help you stay updated with real-time notifications.
In this blog, we have discussed 15 major official trading holidays that are spread throughout the year. Whether you're a day trader, a swing trader, or a long-term investor, knowing these dates helps you avoid unwanted surprises when planning your investments.
Whether you’re a day trader or a swing trader and long-term investor, timing your investment this calendar is your essential reference for the year ahead. Muhurat trading happens on the celebration of prosperity and optimism and marks the start of a unique market session.
You can make sure you never miss a significant trading by followingngng NSE holiday calendar, checking updates like shares market holiday tomorrow, and help to monitor official notifications.
1. What are the NSE holidays in 2026?
The NSE holidays 2026 include 12 major days when markets remain closed: Makar Sankranti, Republic Day, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Maharashtra Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Christmas. These holidays apply to equity and derivative segments.
2. How many trading holidays does NSE have in 2026?
NSE observes 12 official trading holidays in 2026 for the equity segment. The commodity derivatives segment has additional holidays including Maha Shivaratri, Eid ul-Adha, Muharram, and Ganesh Chaturthi. Weekends are already non-trading days, so no compensatory holidays are given when festivals fall on Saturday or Sunday.
3. Is the stock market open tomorrow?
To check if the share market is open tomorrow, refer to the NSE holiday calendar 2026. Markets operate Monday to Friday from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, except on official holidays. Always verify on the NSE official website for last-minute changes or special trading sessions like Muhurat trading.
4. When is Muhurat trading in 2026?
Muhurat trading 2026 will be held on Diwali evening, which falls on November 8, 2026. This special one-hour session marks the start of the new Samvat year. NSE announces the exact timing a few days before Diwali. It's considered an auspicious time for making token investments.
5. Where can I download the NSE holiday calendar for 2026?
You can download the official NSE holiday calendar 2026 PDF from the NSE India website under the "Trading Holidays" section. The calendar includes dates for equity, derivatives, and commodity segments. Most broker apps also provide downloadable holiday schedules with automatic reminders for upcoming market closures.
6. What are NSE trading hours in 2026?
NSE trading hours remain consistent throughout 2026: pre-opening session from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM, normal trading from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, and closing session from 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM. The opening hour (9:15-10:00 AM) sees maximum volume and volatility.
7. How do NSE holidays affect my trading strategy?
NSE market holidays 2026 can impact your trading plans, especially for swing traders and options traders. Positions held overnight before a holiday carry extra risk due to potential gap movements. Day traders should square off positions before holidays, while long-term investors can use holiday weeks for portfolio reviews.
8. What is the difference between NSE equity and commodity holidays?
NSE India holidays for equity segments include 12 days, while commodity derivatives observe additional holidays like Eid ul-Adha, Muharram, and Ganesh Chaturthi. This means commodity markets close on more days than equity markets. Always check both calendars if you trade across multiple segments.
9. Are NSE markets closed on weekends in 2026?
Yes, NSE markets remain closed every Saturday and Sunday throughout 2026. When official holidays fall on weekends, no compensatory holiday is provided on weekdays. For example, Independence Day falls on Saturday, August 15, 2026, so markets will be closed only on that weekend day.
10. Which mobile apps show NSE holiday notifications?
Most broker platforms like Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, and Groww provide NSE holiday notifications through their mobile apps. These apps send automatic reminders before upcoming holidays. The NSE official mobile app also displays the complete NSE market holiday list with timely alerts for traders.
11. Can I place orders during NSE holidays?
No, you cannot place or execute orders during NSE trading holidays 2026. However, most brokers allow you to place orders after market hours, which get queued for the next trading day. Good Till Cancelled (GTC) orders remain active but won't execute until markets reopen after the holiday.
12. What happens to my open positions on NSE holidays?
Your open positions remain unchanged during NSE market holidays 2026. For delivery trades, nothing happens. However, intraday traders must close positions before the holiday. Futures and options contracts continue their time decay even when markets are closed, which affects premium values when trading resumes.
13. How can I check the next NSE trading holiday?
The easiest way to check the next NSE trading holiday is by visiting the official NSE website or checking your broker's app calendar. You can also bookmark the NSE market holiday calendar and set personal reminders. Financial news portals like Moneycontrol and Economic Times also publish updated holiday lists.
14. Why does NSE have more holidays than global markets?
NSE observes more holidays because India celebrates diverse religious and national festivals. The NSE holiday 2026 calendar includes Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh festivals, plus national days like Republic Day and Independence Day. Global markets like the US stock market follow fewer holidays based on federal observances.
15. What are the best financial portals for NSE holiday updates?
Reliable portals for NSE holiday updates include the official NSE India website, Moneycontrol, Economic Times, LiveMint, and investing.com. These platforms publish the NSE market holiday calendar well in advance and send notifications for upcoming closures. Always cross-verify with the official NSE website for accuracy.
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