Indian stock exchanges, including the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), were closed for trading on Tuesday due to a scheduled Holi holiday, even though the festival’s main celebrations will occur in many parts of the country on Wednesday, March 4.
The closure applies to all major segments of the equity market, with no trading in cash, derivatives, or securities lending at either exchange on March 3. Commodity trading on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was also initially shut during the morning session and resumed only in the evening, while the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) remained closed for the entire day.
The exchange-declared holiday has prompted confusion and debate among market participants because Holi festivities are being widely observed on March 4. Some traders have questioned the reasoning behind assigning the holiday a day earlier than the popular celebration date.
This closure is part of the official 2026 stock market holiday calendar, which lists March 3 as the Holi holiday for both NSE and BSE.
Markets are expected to reopen for regular trading on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, following the holiday observance.
