The Indian share market holiday calendar includes several significant festivals, and Mahashivratri 2025 is one of them. Investors and traders should be aware that the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain closed on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in observance of the festival. Trading activities will resume on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
If you’re an investor, this closure impacts your trading plans, so let’s dive deeper into what this means and other stock market holidays in 2025.
What is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of the first half of Phalguna. It is one of the most spiritually significant nights of the year, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting, offer milk and flowers on the Shivling, and stay awake throughout the night.
It is believed that staying in a vertical posture and awake during the night enhances physical and spiritual energy due to unique planetary alignments. The Nishita Kaal Puja, or midnight worship, will be conducted between 12:09 AM and 12:59 AM on February 27, 2025.
Stock Market Holiday for Mahashivratri 2025
For those actively involved in the stock market, it’s essential to note that both BSE and NSE will not be operational on February 26, 2025. This means that trading activities—equity, derivative, and currency segments—will be paused for the day.
The market will resume normal operations on February 27, 2025, allowing investors to continue their trading activities.
Full List of Stock Market Holidays in 2025
Apart from Mahashivratri, the share market holiday list for 2025 includes other major festivals and national events. Here’s a quick rundown:
- March 14, 2025 – Holi
- March 31, 2025 – Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id)
- April 10, 2025 – Shri Mahavir Jayanti
- April 14, 2025 – Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- May 1, 2025 – Maharashtra Day
- August 15, 2025 – Independence Day
- August 27, 2025 – Ganesh Chaturthi
- October 2, 2025 – Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra
- October 21, 2025 – Diwali (Laxmi Pujan)
- October 22, 2025 – Diwali Balipratipada
- November 5, 2025 – Prakash Gurpurb (Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji)
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas
Plan your trading activities accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Stock Market Performance on February 25, 2025
Before the share market holiday, trading on February 25, 2025, saw a mixed start:
- BSE Sensex: Opened flat at 74,462.17, up by just 7.76 points (0.01%).
- NSE Nifty: Opened lower by 5.90 points (0.03%), reaching 22,547.45.
- Top sectoral performers:
- Nifty Media Index: Rose 0.99%, reaching 1,492.40.
- Nifty Auto: Gained 0.36%, touching 21,630.00.
- Nifty FMCG: Increased by 0.18%, reaching 52,380.70.
Why Do Stock Markets Close on Festivals?
Stock markets in India follow a well-defined holiday schedule, primarily based on:
- Market liquidity and participation – Festival days see reduced participation, making trading inefficient.
- Respect for cultural and religious sentiments – India has a diverse population, and many festivals are widely observed.
- Tradition – Stock markets have historically remained closed on key national and religious holidays.
How to Plan Trading Around a Share Market Holiday?
For traders and investors, here are some tips to stay ahead:
✔ Check the official holiday list to avoid last-minute surprises. ✔ Plan your trades in advance, considering market closures. ✔ Watch for pre-holiday market trends, as volatility often increases. ✔ Utilize online trading platforms to schedule orders for the next trading session.
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Conclusion
The share market holiday on February 26, 2025, for Mahashivratri is a part of India structure holiday calendar. Trading will resume on February 27, 2025, so investors should plan accordingly. Whether you’re a day trader or a long-term investor, staying informed about stock market holidays in 2025 will help you make better financial decisions.