The Indian stock market holiday on May 1, 2025, will pause trading across all major exchanges. Investors should mark this date as Maharashtra Day, celebrated to honour the formation of the state in 1960. Since both BSE and NSE are based in Mumbai, there will be no equity or derivatives trading on this day. Additionally, MCX will remain closed for the morning session, but will resume trading in the evening. This brief market break is part of the 14 total holidays for 2025, with seven more still ahead in the year.
Why May 1 Is a Stock Market Holiday in India?
Maharashtra Day is a public holiday in Maharashtra, observed annually on May 1. Since the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) operate from Mumbai, both markets will remain shut. There will be no activity across equity, F&O, or currency segments. This makes it essential for traders to restructure their short-term strategies before this date.
MCX Schedule for May 1: Morning Off, Evening On
The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), which is also headquartered in Mumbai, will follow a split trading schedule:
- Morning session (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM): Closed
- Evening session (5:00 PM to 11:55 PM): Open
Commodity traders should take note of this partial closure to avoid any confusion with open positions or order placements. Planning ahead ensures smoother execution once the evening session resumes.
Upcoming Market Holidays After May 1
As per the stock market holiday list for 2025, these are the next key non-trading days:
- August 15 – Independence Day
- August 27 – Ganesh Chaturthi
- October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti
- October 21 – Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Only Muhurat trading expected)
- October 22 – Diwali Balipratipada
- November 5 – Gurpurab
- December 25 – Christmas
Investors should always stay updated with this calendar to avoid unwanted surprises in their portfolio management.
Bank Closures & Trading Timings Recap
On May 1, banks will also remain closed in major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, as per RBI’s holiday list.
For reference, standard NSE/BSE equity trading hours are:
- Pre-open session: 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM
- Regular session: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM
- Closing session: 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM
- Block deal window: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM
Final Word: Use Holidays to Strategise Better
While a stock market holiday may seem like a pause, smart investors use this downtime to evaluate positions, study charts, and plan trades. It’s also a good time to read, reflect, or even reset strategies for the month ahead. So, rather than seeing May 1 as a lost day, consider it an opportunity to sharpen your financial edge.
Disclaimer: The views and investment insights provided here are based on publicly available information and do not constitute financial advice. Readers are advised to conduct their own research or consult certified financial experts before making investment decisions.
