Stock Market Trading Pause for Muharram: Key Dates Ahead

Investors should note that trading will pause on June 26 for Muharram, with the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange closed. This marks the second holiday in a short period, following Bakri Id. The article outlines the remaining holidays for 2026, including significant dates like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. Additionally, it highlights the differing schedules for commodity exchanges, with the MCX resuming trading in the evening. Notably, some holidays fall on weekends, which won't affect trading days. Stay informed about the market's schedule for the rest of the year.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 18:06 IST

Trading Halt on Muharram

On Friday, June 26, investors will experience a break from trading as India's prominent stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), will be closed in observance of Muharram. This holiday adds to the recent trading pauses, following the closure for Bakri Id on May 28. With this June holiday, market participants will have faced two shutdowns in a short timeframe. According to the official holiday calendar, Indian stock exchanges have designated 16 non-trading days for 2026. So far, nine of these holidays have been observed, with several more closures anticipated before the year concludes.

Upcoming Stock Market Holidays in 2026

Following the Muharram holiday, traders will resume regular operations until the next closure on September 14, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi. The latter part of 2026 will see several more market holidays, including a suspension of trading on October 2 for Gandhi Jayanti and again on October 20 for Dussehra. Additionally, exchanges will close on November 10 for Diwali Balipratipada and on November 24 for Guru Nanak Jayanti. The final trading holiday of the year is set for December 25 in celebration of Christmas. These dates provide investors and traders with a clearer understanding of the market schedule for the remainder of the year.

Commodity Markets Schedule

While the equity markets will be closed for the day, commodity exchanges will operate on a different timetable. The Multi-Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will halt trading during the morning session on June 26 but will resume in the evening. According to MCX's annual calendar, there are 16 designated holidays in 2026, which include full-day or partial-session closures. Conversely, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) will be closed for both trading sessions on Muharram, resulting in a complete trading halt for the day.

Weekend Holidays and Trading Impact

Not all festivals listed in the annual holiday calendar result in additional trading breaks. In 2026, four significant occasions fall on weekends, thus not affecting market operations on weekdays. Mahashivratri on February 15 and Eid-Ul-Fitr on March 21 have already occurred on weekends. Looking ahead, Independence Day on August 15 will also be on a Saturday, while Diwali Laxmi Pujan is set for Sunday, November 8. Despite Diwali Laxmi Pujan falling on a Sunday, exchanges will maintain the tradition of conducting Muhurat Trading on November 8, with the timing for this special one-hour ceremonial trading session to be announced closer to the event.