Indian Stock Markets Closed on Gandhi Jayanti; Check 2026 Holiday Schedule

The Indian stock exchanges, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), will not conduct trading on October 2, 2026, in observance of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti. This annual holiday commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, a pivotal leader in India’s independence movement known for his commitment to non-violence.

Alongside equity markets, the commodity trading platforms will also be closed. The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), recognized as the nation’s largest commodity exchange, has confirmed the closure for both its trading sessions on October 2. Similarly, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will suspend operations for the entire day.

Market participants and investors should plan accordingly as this closure affects multiple segments of the Indian financial markets. The halt in trading on Gandhi Jayanti is part of the official stock market holiday calendar for 2026, which lists a total of 16 holidays. Of these, 11 holidays have already been observed earlier in the year.

In April, the markets were closed twice—on April 3 for Good Friday and April 14 in honor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti. May featured holidays on the 1st for Maharashtra Day and the 28th for Bakri Id. Further closures included June 26 for Muharram and September 14 for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Following the Gandhi Jayanti closure, traders can expect additional holidays in the last quarter of the year. These include October 20 for Dussehra, November 10 for Diwali-Balipratipada, November 24 for Guru Nanak Jayanti, and December 25 for Christmas. These dates are critical for market participants to note, especially for planning trades and settlement cycles.

Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2, marking the anniversary of Gandhi’s birth. The day has been designated a national holiday since India gained independence and is observed with various ceremonies, including prayer meetings and tributes across the country. The United Nations also commemorates this date as the International Day of Non-Violence, reflecting the global impact of Gandhi’s philosophy.

In 2026, this observance marks the 157th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, a moment that continues to hold significance in Indian culture and history. The stock market’s closure on this day aligns with the nation’s respect for the legacy of a leader who championed peaceful resistance and social transformation.

Investors and traders should stay informed about these holiday schedules to adjust their investment strategies and trading activities. The upcoming festive season will see several market closures, which typically influence trading volumes and market liquidity.

For ongoing updates on market movements, stock tips, and expert insights, financial professionals and retail investors can refer to trusted sources such as ETMarkets.com. Staying updated helps in managing portfolios effectively, especially around holiday periods when market activity can be subdued.