Markets Closed Today for Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra as Investors Brace for Festive Week

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are closed today, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in observance of Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, marking the first of several trading holidays this month as per the NSE’s 2025 holiday calendar. This closure halts all activities across major segments, including equities, equity derivatives, securities lending and borrowing (SLB), currency derivatives, and electronic gold receipts (EGR), reflecting India’s tradition of aligning financial markets with significant cultural and national events. Investors and traders are advised to prepare for the pause, with regular trading set to resume on Friday, October 3, offering a brief window to reassess strategies amid festive celebrations.

The October 2 holiday underscores the NSE and BSE’s commitment to honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and the cultural significance of Dussehra, a festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This closure is the first of three scheduled for October, with additional holidays on October 21 for Diwali Laxmi Pujan and October 22 for Balipratipada, both integral to the Diwali festivities. Notably, October 21 will feature a special “Muhurat Trading” session, a brief, auspicious trading window cherished by investors for its symbolic promise of prosperity. Beyond October, the 2025 calendar lists further holidays on November 5 for Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev and December 25 for Christmas, totaling 14 trading holidays for the year, alongside routine weekend closures on Saturdays and Sundays.

On typical trading days, the equities segment operates with a well-defined schedule to facilitate seamless transactions. The pre-open session runs from 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM for order entry and modifications, with a randomized closure in the final minute to prevent market manipulation, followed by immediate order matching. The regular trading session spans from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, catering to both retail and institutional investors, while a closing session from 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM finalizes daily prices. Additionally, block deal sessions for large trades occur in two windows: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:05 PM to 2:20 PM, ensuring flexibility for high-volume transactions. These timings align with global standards, balancing accessibility with operational efficiency.

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The NSE and BSE retain the authority to adjust trading schedules as needed, a provision that allows them to close markets on unscheduled days or open them on declared holidays in response to extraordinary circumstances, such as economic disruptions or national emergencies. This flexibility has historically been used sparingly to maintain market stability and investor confidence. For instance, past instances have seen extended hours during volatile periods or special sessions to accommodate unique events. Investors are encouraged to monitor official exchange announcements to stay informed of any such changes, particularly as the festive season may influence market sentiment and trading volumes.

Today’s closure offers a moment for market participants to reflect on their portfolios and prepare for the upcoming festive trading sessions, particularly the Muhurat Trading on October 21, which often sets an optimistic tone for the financial year. As India celebrates its cultural heritage, the pause also highlights the interplay between tradition and modern finance, reinforcing the markets’ role as a dynamic yet grounded institution. With two more holidays in October and a robust trading framework in place, investors are well-positioned to navigate the year’s opportunities, provided they stay vigilant for any unscheduled changes to the calendar.

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