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The article clarifies the operational status of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) during the Indian festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti, falling on January 13th and 14th, 2025, respectively. Contrary to initial investor uncertainty, both exchanges will maintain their regular trading hours. This decision is explicitly stated by the NSE's official holiday calendar, confirming that neither Lohri nor Makar Sankranti are included as trading holidays for the year 2025. This means the pre-open session will commence at 9:00 AM, followed by regular trading from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, as per standard practice.
The confusion surrounding the trading schedule stemmed from the significance of Lohri and Makar Sankranti within Indian culture. Lohri, primarily celebrated in Northern India, particularly Punjab, marks the harvest festival and is associated with prayers for prosperity and bountiful harvests. Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India under various names (Maghi, Poush Sankranti, Sankranti, Pongal), involves religious rituals including holy dips, prayers to the Sun God, and charitable donations. The widespread observance of these festivals naturally raised questions about potential disruptions to the stock market's daily operations, given the cultural importance of these holidays.
The article provides a comprehensive list of all officially declared stock market holidays for 2025 as per the NSE and BSE calendars. This list, encompassing 14 holidays in total, is a valuable resource for investors and traders, facilitating accurate scheduling and planning. The list explicitly notes the date, day, and reason for each holiday, ranging from religious festivals like Mahashivratri, Holi, and Diwali, to national observances like Republic Day and Independence Day. Further, the article differentiates between holidays falling on weekdays and those falling on weekends, making it clear that only holidays falling on weekdays result in market closure. This detailed clarification leaves no room for ambiguity regarding official trading days.
The inclusion of a separate section addressing holidays falling on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) highlights the comprehensive nature of the information presented. This additional detail acknowledges the potential for confusion when assessing the effective number of trading days in a year, and it specifically addresses the holidays that may coincide with non-trading days (weekends). For instance, Republic Day, which fell on a Sunday in 2025, had no impact on stock market operations. Similarly, the article highlights that other holidays falling on weekends (Shri Ram Navami, Bakri Id, Muharram) did not lead to any market closure, reinforcing the information previously provided regarding holidays only impacting trading on weekdays.
The article further clarifies specific details regarding the Diwali Laxmi Pujan holiday on October 21st, 2025. While it's listed as a trading holiday, the NSE will conduct 'Muhurat Trading' on that day. The timing of this special, shorter trading session is announced separately through a circular. This nuance emphasizes the importance of regularly consulting the official stock exchange websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding specific trading schedules, especially for events where exceptions to the standard trading hours are in effect. This highlights the importance of reliable information sources for informed decision-making by investors and traders.
In conclusion, the article serves as a definitive guide for investors and traders seeking clarity on the stock market's operational status during the festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti in 2025. By explicitly confirming the absence of a trading holiday and providing a complete schedule of holidays for the entire year, the article addresses concerns and provides valuable information for planning and decision-making within the Indian stock market. The comprehensive nature of the information, including details regarding weekend holidays and the clarification of the Muhurat Trading session, underscores the article’s significance as a reliable resource for all stakeholders in the Indian stock market ecosystem.