Makar Sankranti is a vibrant festival celebrated across India under various names such as Lohri and Pongal. For traders and investors, an important consideration during this festive season is whether the stock markets will be open or closed. According to the holiday calendar of BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and NSE (National Stock Exchange) for 2025, Indian stock markets will remain operational on January 14. However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a bank holiday on the same day, raising questions about the impact on market activities.
Why Will Stock Markets Remain Open on Makar Sankranti?
While Makar Sankranti is a public holiday in many states and banks may close, the stock exchanges do not necessarily observe all public or regional holidays. For 2025, Makar Sankranti has not been included in the list of holidays for trading. Consequently, the stock markets will operate normally on this day, similar to any other trading day. This means equity, derivatives, commodities, bonds, and currency trading will continue during regular hours on January 14, opening at 9:15 AM and closing at 3:30 PM.
How Are Stock Market Holidays Determined?
Every year, the Indian stock exchanges publish an annual holiday calendar detailing the days on which trading will be suspended. According to the official list for 2025, there are 14 recognized trading holidays. Festivals like Pongal, Ugadi, and Onam are generally not eligible for market closure as they are considered regional and cultural celebrations.
List of Stock Market Holidays in 2025
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| February 26 | Mahashivaratri |
| March 14 | Holi |
| March 31 | Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid) |
| April 10 | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 14 | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
| April 18 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Maharashtra Day |
| August 15 | Independence Day |
| August 27 | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October 2 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 21 | Diwali (Lakshmi Poojan) |
| October 22 | Diwali (Balipratipad) |
| November 5 | Guru Nanak Jayanti (Prakash Gurpurab) |
| December 25 | Christmas |
In summary, while cultural and regional festivities are an integral part of Indian life, they do not universally affect stock market operations. Investors should stay informed about the market’s holiday schedule to make informed trading decisions.