Mumbai: Indian stock markets will remain closed for trading on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, on account of Mahavir Jayanti, according to the official holiday calendar of stock exchanges. The closure applies to both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), meaning no trading activity will take place across equity, derivatives, and currency segments.
Mahavir Jayanti, a significant religious festival for the Jain community, is observed as a gazetted public holiday across India. As a result, several institutions—including banks, government offices, and markets—remain shut on the day. In line with this, stock exchanges also suspend operations.
The holiday falls on the last day of the financial year 2025–26, which often creates confusion among investors regarding trading schedules. However, as per the official exchange calendar, March 31 is a confirmed full-day trading holiday. This closure also contributes to a holiday-shortened trading week for Dalal Street. Markets will function only on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the week, as they will also remain closed on Friday, April 3, for Good Friday.
Market participants are advised to plan their trades and settlements accordingly, especially since month-end and financial year-end adjustments typically lead to higher activity. The absence of trading on March 31 could impact liquidity and settlement cycles, particularly for institutional investors and traders managing portfolio rebalancing.
It is also important to note that while equity markets will remain shut for the entire day, commodity markets such as the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX) may operate partially, typically in the evening session, depending on exchange guidelines. Mahavir Jayanti is among several trading holidays observed by Indian markets in March 2026, alongside Holi and Ram Navami. Overall, the exchanges will observe around 15 holidays in 2026, primarily on national and religious occasions.
