Investors across India need to mark their calendars. The stock market will not open for trading tomorrow, January 15, 2026. This sudden holiday comes as a result of local body elections happening in Maharashtra.
Why the Stock Market is Closed on January 15
Authorities declared a public holiday in Maharashtra for municipal corporation elections. Since the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange operate from Mumbai, they must follow the state's holiday schedule. Both exchanges confirmed the trading closure earlier this week.
This January 15 holiday was not part of the original calendar the NSE shared in December. Officials added it just this Monday. The closure affects the equity and equity derivatives segments completely. Currency markets will also shut down. However, trading in commodity derivatives will proceed during the evening session.
Complete 2026 Stock Market Holiday Calendar
According to the official schedule, Indian stock exchanges will close for 16 days in 2026. The year starts with tomorrow's election holiday. Republic Day on January 26 provides the second break this month.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
March sees the highest number of holidays with three closures. April, May, October, and November each have two scheduled holidays. Interestingly, four major festivals coincide with weekends this year. Markets will not observe extra holidays for Mahashivratri, Ramadan Eid, Independence Day, and Diwali Laxmi Pujan since they fall on Saturdays or Sundays.
Official 2026 Holiday List
- January 15, Thursday - Municipal Corporation Election in Maharashtra
- January 26, Monday - Republic Day
- March 3, Tuesday - Holi
- March 26, Thursday - Shri Ram Navami
- March 31, Tuesday - Shri Mahavir Jayanti
- April 3, Friday - Good Friday
- April 14, Tuesday - Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti
- May 1, Friday - Maharashtra Day
- May 28, Thursday - Bakri Id
- June 26, Friday - Muharram
- September 14, Monday - Ganesh Chaturthi
- October 2, Friday - Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
- October 20, Tuesday - Dussehra
- November 10, Tuesday - Diwali-Balipratipada
- November 24, Tuesday - Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev
- December 25, Friday - Christmas
Current Market Sentiment
Indian markets are trading cautiously as January progresses. Several factors are influencing investor sentiment. The stalled US trade deal creates uncertainty. Fears about higher tariffs add to the nervousness. Geopolitical risks remain a concern. Heavy selling by foreign institutional investors is putting additional pressure on indices.
The Nifty 50 index has already lost more than 1.3% so far this month. Tomorrow's forced holiday might provide a brief pause during this volatile period.
Please note: This information serves educational purposes only. Investors should consult certified financial experts before making any investment decisions.
