Title: Market Closures in March 2024: Understanding Mahashivratri and Holi Celebrations




Introduction: In the dynamic world of financial markets, investors and traders must be aware of market closures. In March 2024, the Indian stock market witnessed closures on two significant occasions – Mahashivratri and Holi. This article delves into the details of these closures, exploring their impact on both the equity and commodity markets.

Mahashivratri 2024: A Day of Market Rest

Overview: On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri on 8th March 2024, both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) took a break from trading. This meant a complete halt in trading activities for the entire day.

Market Segments Affected: The Mahashivratri closure affected various market segments, including the Equity Segment, Equity Derivative Segment, and SLB Segment. Currency Derivatives Segments also experienced a temporary suspension, aligning with the festive celebration.

Commodity Market Adjustments: Interestingly, the Commodity Derivatives Segment and Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) Segment witnessed a unique schedule. While the morning session from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM remained suspended, trading resumed in the evening session starting from 5:00 PM. This adjustment affected major commodity exchanges like Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and National Commodity Exchange (NCDEX).

Holi Celebrations: A Second Market Closure in March

Overview: Following Mahashivratri, the next closure on 25th March 2024 was due to the celebration of Holi. On this day, the stock market observed a complete shutdown, allowing market participants to join in the festivities without worrying about market movements.

Impact on Trading: Similar to Mahashivratri, Holi affected trading in the Equity Segment, Equity Derivative Segment, and SLB Segment. The Currency Derivatives Segments also experienced a suspension, contributing to a quiet day on Dalal Street.

Upcoming Market Holidays: March and Beyond

March 29, 2024 – Good Friday: As the month progressed, the stock market looked ahead to another closure on 29th March 2024 for Good Friday. On this day, both BSE and NSE suspended trading activities, providing market participants with an extended weekend.

April 2024 Holidays: Looking beyond March, April 2024 presented two more market closures. On 11th April, the market remained closed for Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) celebrations. Subsequently, on 17th April, trading activities paused once again for the observance of Ram Navami.

Understanding Market Timings

Normal Trading Days: On regular trading days, the Indian stock market opens at 9:15 AM, with trading continuing until 3:30 PM. The pre-open session starts at 9:00 AM, providing a 15-minute window before official trading begins.

Commodity Market Sessions: In the commodity segment, trading at MCX and NCDEX starts at 9:00 AM. The commodity market operates in two sessions – morning and evening. Morning sessions run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while evening sessions commence at 5:00 PM and conclude at 11:55 PM, with an upcoming adjustment scheduled for 11th March 2024, shifting the evening session's end to 11:30 PM.

Conclusion: Navigating the intricacies of market closures is vital for anyone involved in financial markets. As we observed closures for Mahashivratri and Holi in March 2024, understanding these breaks enhances the ability to strategize and plan trading activities effectively. Looking ahead, investors can prepare for upcoming closures, ensuring they align their financial activities with the rhythm of the market calendar.