NSE holidays matter for every trader and investor in India. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the NSE and BSE will remain closed for Holi. Equity, equity derivatives, currency, NDS-RST, and Tri-Party Repo will not trade. Only the commodity and EGR segments will operate in the evening from 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM. We explain what shuts, what opens, and how to plan positions, margins, and settlements. Use this guide to adjust liquidity and avoid execution surprises next week.

March 3 Holi Closure: Segments Affected and Trading Hours

Both exchanges will observe a full-day holiday on March 3 for Holi. Cash equities, equity derivatives, currency, NDS-RST, and Tri-Party Repo will be shut. This confirmation aligns with the official NSE holidays schedule and the BSE holiday list 2026. For reference and exact segment status, see reporting from Mint.

Only two segments will operate, and only in the evening: commodity derivatives and EGR, active from 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM. There is no morning session. Traders who need to roll hedges can use this window. A summary is also carried by LatestLY. Remember, Holi 2026 market closed notices apply to most segments all day.

Settlement, Margins, and Pledge Actions Before the Break

India follows T+1 for equities. Trades done on Monday, March 2, will settle on Wednesday, March 4, as the Tuesday holiday defers the cycle by one working day. Plan pay-ins, fund availability, and securities delivery accordingly. Avoid last-minute sell orders if shares are not in your demat. Check broker cut-offs for e-mandates and fund transfers before the break.

No derivatives trade occurs in the day session on March 3. Recheck margin buffers on March 2 to handle price moves during the off day. Collateral pledges and releases can take time to reflect, so initiate actions on March 1 or early March 2. Keep some free cash to manage possible margin calls when markets reopen.

Strategy for Traders and Investors Ahead of NSE Holidays

Large orders can face thin books right before a holiday. Split entries, use limit orders, and avoid aggressive market orders late on March 2. Equity SIPs via brokers will not execute on March 3; the next business day will apply. Map cash needs for payouts, as bank processing windows may differ from exchange hours.

With currency markets shut on March 3, hedge rupee risk ahead of time if you have offshore liabilities. Review record dates, buybacks, and dividends that fall around March 3 to avoid missing eligibility. If you use GTT or stop-loss orders, confirm their validity across holidays and ensure alerts are active for the reopening day.

What Reopens After Holi: Opening Auctions and Volatility Watch

When markets resume on March 4, the pre-open runs roughly 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM with order entry, matching, and buffer phases. Expect possible gaps if global markets move during the holiday. Use the auction to refine entries, review indicative prices, and avoid chasing early prints in thin liquidity.

While NSE holidays pause local trading, global cues keep moving. Track US indices, crude, USDINR offshore indications, and key Asian markets opening early on March 4. If you carry options, reassess Greeks and event risk. For commodity evening session users, align hedge sizes with overnight volatility and news flow.

Final Thoughts

Holi 2026 brings a confirmed market holiday on Tuesday, March 3, with equity, F&O, currency, NDS-RST, and Tri-Party Repo shut. Only the commodity and EGR segments run in the evening from 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM. To manage the break, clear T+1 settlements, add margin buffers, and complete pledges or fund transfers by March 2. Split large orders, set alerts, and prepare opening playbooks for March 4. During the pause, watch global equities, crude, and rupee cues that could drive gaps. With thoughtful planning around NSE holidays and the BSE holiday list 2026, you can avoid execution surprises and protect capital.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.