list of nse holidays in 2026: Complete Trading Holiday Calendar, Market Timings & Strategic Planning Guide
Understanding list of nse holidays in 2026 is not just about knowing when the market is closed—it is about planning smarter trades, managing risk, ensuring smooth settlements, and aligning long-term investment strategies. For investors, traders, brokers, institutions, and businesses operating in India’s capital markets, the National Stock Exchange holiday calendar plays a critical operational role.
The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has officially announced the NSE Holidays 2026 list, covering Equity, Equity Derivatives, SLB, and Commodity Derivatives segments. This guide provides a comprehensive, detailed, and easy-to-understand breakdown of every trading holiday in 2026, weekend holidays, Muhurat Trading details, clearing and settlement implications, and official NSE market timings.
This article is designed especially for serious market participants, with expert insights from Lares Algotech, helping you trade with discipline, clarity, and confidence throughout 2026.
Why list of nse holidays in 2026 Matter for Traders and Investors
Many retail investors underestimate the importance of tracking NSE Holidays 2026, assuming holidays simply mean “no trading.” In reality, NSE holidays affect
- Equity and derivatives expiry planning
- Settlement cycles (T+1)
- Liquidity and volatility before and after holidays
- Corporate actions and record dates
- Algo-trading and automated strategy execution
- Risk management and margin requirements
Professional traders and institutions plan their positions around holidays, not just trading days. Missing this planning often leads to unexpected settlement delays or forced position adjustments.
NSE Holidays 2026 – Overview
- Applicable to Equity, Equity Derivatives, SLB, and Currency segments
- Total 15 full trading holidays in 2026
- Additional holidays falling on Saturday and Sunday
- Special Muhurat Trading session on Diwali Laxmi Pujan
- Commodity Derivatives segment has separate morning and evening session rules
Complete List of NSE Holidays 2026 (Trading Holidays)
The following is the official list of NSE Holidays 2026 when all major equity market segments will remain closed:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2026 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 03, 2026 | Tuesday | Holi |
| March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Shri Ram Navami |
| March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 03, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
| May 01, 2026 | Friday | Maharashtra Day |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Bakri Id |
| June 26, 2026 | Friday | Muharram |
| September 14, 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October 02, 2026 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| November 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Diwali – Balipratipada |
| November 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas |
These NSE Holidays 2026 apply uniformly across:
- Equity Segment
- Equity Derivatives Segment
- SLB Segment
list of nse holidays in 2026 Falling on Saturday & Sunday
Some important Indian festivals in 2026 fall on weekends and do not result in additional market closures.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | Mahashivratri |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid) |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| November 08, 2026 | Sunday | Diwali Laxmi Pujan* |
* Muhurat Trading will be conducted on November 08, 2026.
Muhurat Trading in NSE Holidays 2026
What Is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a special one-hour trading session conducted on Diwali, considered an auspicious time to begin new investments.
Muhurat Trading 2026 Details
- Date: Sunday, November 08, 2026
- Occasion: Diwali Laxmi Pujan
- Market Status: Regular trading holiday with special Muhurat session
- Timings: To be notified separately by NSE circular
For many investors, Muhurat Trading is symbolic. However, experienced traders treat it as a low-liquidity session, focusing on delivery-based investments rather than aggressive intraday trades.
list of nse holidays in 2026 – Clearing & Settlement Perspective
While trading is closed on NSE holidays, settlement holidays have a separate impact:
- Trades executed before holidays may see settlement delays
- Funds and securities credit can shift due to consecutive holidays
- Algo and margin-based strategies must adjust risk exposure
Professional brokers like Lares Algotech proactively manage settlement timelines to ensure clients avoid penalties or margin shortfalls.
NSE Holidays 2026 for Commodity Derivatives Segment
Commodity trading follows a dual-session structure, making it essential to track morning and evening closures separately.
| Date | Holiday | Morning Session (9 AM–5 PM) | Evening Session (5 PM–11:30/11:55 PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 01, 2026 | New Year | Open | Closed |
| January 26, 2026 | Republic Day | Closed | Closed |
| March 03, 2026 | Holi | Closed | Open |
| March 26, 2026 | Shri Ram Navami | Closed | Open |
| March 31, 2026 | Shri Mahavir Jayanti | Closed | Open |
| April 03, 2026 | Good Friday | Closed | Closed |
| April 14, 2026 | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Closed | Open |
| May 01, 2026 | Maharashtra Day | Closed | Open |
| May 28, 2026 | Bakri Id | Closed | Open |
| June 26, 2026 | Muharram | Closed | Open |
| September 14, 2026 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Closed | Open |
| October 02, 2026 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Closed | Closed |
| October 20, 2026 | Dussehra | Closed | Open |
| November 10, 2026 | Diwali Balipratipada | Closed | Open |
| November 24, 2026 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Closed | Open |
NSE Market Timings 2026 (Equities Segment)
Understanding market timings is just as important as tracking lst of nse holidays in 2026
Pre-Open Session
- 09:00 AM – 09:08 AM
- Random closure in the last minute
- Price discovery mechanism
Regular Trading Session
- 09:15 AM – 03:30 PM
Closing Session
- 03:40 PM – 04:00 PM
Block Deal Window
- Morning: 08:45 AM – 09:00 AM
- Afternoon: 02:05 PM – 02:20 PM
How NSE Holidays 2026 Affect Derivatives & Expiry Days
A common question among traders is what happens when weekly or monthly expiry falls on an NSE holiday.
- Expiry is advanced to the previous trading day
- Liquidity often spikes before holiday-adjusted expiries
- Option premiums react sharply due to time decay adjustments
Professional traders factor list of nse holidays in 2026 well in advance while structuring option strategies.
Strategic Trading Tips Around NSE Holidays 2026
From Lares Algotech’s professional desk, here are practical insights:
Avoid Over-Leverage Before Long Weekends
Expect Volatility After Consecutive Holidays
Plan Fund Transfers Before Settlement Breaks
Reduce Overnight Risk Before Holiday Gaps
Use Holiday Calendars in Algo Strategy Rules
Markets often react not during holidays—but immediately after them.
NSE Holidays 2026 vs Weekend Psychology
Retail participation tends to increase before long weekends, while institutional desks reduce exposure. This behavioral pattern often creates:
- Short-term volatility
- Volume compression
- False breakouts
Recognising this pattern gives disciplined traders a measurable edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total number of list of nse holidays in 2026?
There are 15 official NSE trading holidays in 2026 for the equity segment.
Will NSE be open on January 1, 2026?
Yes. The equity market is open on January 1, 2026.
Is Muhurat Trading compulsory?
No. Muhurat Trading is optional and symbolic.
Do NSE holidays apply to BSE and MCX?
Each exchange publishes its own holiday list. Dates may overlap but are not identical.
What happens if settlement day falls on an NSE holiday?
Settlement is shifted to the next working trading day.
Final Thoughts: Trade Smarter With list of nse holidays in 2026
The list of nse holidays in 2026 calendar is more than a list of dates—it is a strategic tool. Investors who align their trading, investing, and risk management decisions with the holiday structure consistently outperform those who ignore it.
At Lares Algotech, we encourage investors to combine:
- Calendar awareness
- Disciplined execution
- Risk-first strategies
- Data-driven decision-making
When preparation meets structure, consistency follows.
FAQs on NSE Holidays 2026
1. Why is it important to track NSE Holidays 2026 in advance?
Tracking NSE Holidays 2026 helps investors and traders plan trades, manage settlements, and avoid operational disruptions. Since the Indian stock market follows a strict settlement cycle, holidays can delay fund credits or securities delivery. Knowing the holiday calendar in advance allows traders to adjust positions, reduce overnight risk before long weekends, and plan option expiries properly. It is especially important for active traders, algo strategies, and delivery-based investors.
2. How many official trading holidays are there in NSE Holidays 2026?
The list of nse holidays in 2026 calendar includes 15 official trading holidays when the equity, equity derivatives, and SLB segments remain completely closed. These holidays are announced through official NSE circulars and apply uniformly across all participants. Apart from these, some festivals fall on weekends and do not result in additional market closures. Traders should always rely on the official NSE Holidays 2026 list for accurate planning.
3. Does NSE Holidays 2026 affect equity derivatives and options trading?
Yes, NSE Holidays 2026 directly affect equity derivatives, including futures and options. On declared holidays, no trading or settlement takes place in derivative contracts. If an options expiry coincides with an NSE holiday, the expiry is preponed to the previous trading day. Traders must factor this into their strategies, especially for weekly options, to avoid unexpected position closures or liquidity issues.
4. What happens if a settlement date falls during NSE Holidays 2026?
If a settlement date coincides with list of nse holidays in 2026 the settlement is automatically shifted to the next working trading day. This can temporarily block funds or securities in your trading account. Investors planning large delivery trades should consider this while managing liquidity. Brokers and clearing corporations follow predefined settlement rules, so understanding NSE Holidays 2026 helps prevent confusion or cash-flow issues.
5. Is Muhurat Trading included in NSE Holidays 2026?
Yes, list of nse holidays in 2026 includes Diwali Laxmi Pujan as a trading holiday, but Muhurat Trading is conducted on that day through a special one-hour session. Muhurat Trading is considered auspicious and allows symbolic buying or selling of stocks. While participation is optional, many long-term investors use this session for delivery-based trades rather than aggressive intraday or derivative positions.
6. Do NSE Holidays 2026 apply to commodity derivatives trading?
list of nse holidays in 2026 also apply to the commodity derivatives segment, but with different rules for morning and evening sessions. On certain holidays, the morning session may remain closed while the evening session operates normally. Traders dealing in commodities must carefully check the segment-wise holiday structure under NSE Holidays 2026 to avoid placing orders during non-trading hours.
7. How do NSE Holidays 2026 impact weekly option expiry strategies?
Weekly option strategies are highly sensitive to list of nse holidays in 2026. If a holiday falls on the usual expiry day, the expiry is shifted earlier, compressing time value faster than expected. This can lead to rapid premium decay or sudden volatility. Traders using option selling or calendar spreads must account for NSE Holidays 2026 to adjust strike selection, stop-loss levels, and margin planning.
8. Can algo trading systems be affected by NSE Holidays 2026?
Yes, automated and algo trading systems must be programmed with the list of nse holidays in 2026 calendar. If holiday logic is not incorporated, algos may attempt order placement during non-trading hours, leading to rejections or execution failures. Professional traders and platforms ensure that holiday rules, reduced liquidity periods, and settlement breaks related to NSE Holidays 2026 are properly embedded into strategy logic.
9. Are NSE Holidays 2026 the same as BSE or MCX holidays?
Not necessarily. While many holidays overlap, list of nse holidays in 2026 are announced independently and may differ from BSE or MCX holiday calendars. Traders active across multiple exchanges should verify each exchange’s holiday list separately. Assuming identical holidays across exchanges can lead to operational errors, especially for arbitrage, hedging, or cross-market strategies.
10. How can investors use NSE Holidays 2026 for better risk management?
Smart investors use list of nse holidays in 2026 as part of their risk-management framework. Reducing leveraged positions before long holidays, avoiding fresh trades just before extended closures, and planning fund transfers in advance helps reduce unnecessary exposure. Markets often open with gaps after holidays, so understanding NSE Holidays 2026 allows traders to prepare for volatility rather than react emotionally.



