Ram Navami 2026 Trading Holiday: When Is Sensex Expiry Today Or Friday? Why Not On March 26?

This week, the Indian stock market will be open only for four days instead of its usual five trading sessions. The reason is the stock market will be closed on March 26 for the celebration of Ram Navami. But because of this a host of trading changes are going to take place on BSE and NSE. For instance, year-end tax harvesting, half-days in commodity trading, and most importantly change in futures and options expiry of Sensex and Nifty.

Sensex Monthly Expiry Date:

Generally, Sensex's monthly expiry falls on the last Thursday of the month. However, since trading is closed on March 26th, the expiry date has been shifted to March 25, 2026.

Notably, stock like SAIL and Sammaan Capital Ltd are under futures & options (F&O) trading ban, due to breaching market-wide position limit.

While fresh positions are not allowed in the futures and options segment for the stock, it continues to remain available for trading in the cash market, as per Angel One.

What Should Traders And Investors Know Before March 26th?

According to JM Financial, here are the key changes that you will face while transacting in market-related instruments.

1. F&O positions: Review open derivative positions before Wednesday market close on 25th March. Mid-week holidays can affect weekly expiry schedules and margin obligations.

2. Year-end tax harvesting: If you plan to book losses or realise gains before FY end for tax purposes, note that the effective last trading days are 27th and 30th March. The market is not open on the 31st.

3. Mutual fund transactions: NAVs for mutual fund purchases and redemptions submitted on 26th March will be processed on the next business day, 27th March.

4. SIP and STP investors: If your SIP date falls on 26th March, units will be allotted at the next applicable NAV on the next business day.

5. Commodity traders: MCX evening session is open. Monitor global commodity prices during the daytime closure as international markets will continue trading.

Stock Market Holiday On March 26:

As per the BSE and NSE trading list, trading will be closed on March 26th for the celebration of Ram Navami. While market will also be closed on March 28th and March 29th for Saturday and Sunday weekend holiday.

During these holidays, trading will not be available in equity, equity derivatives, commodities, forex, SLB segment and other market related instruments.

Ram Navami 2026:

Ram Navami, the day when Lord Rama appeared in his human and divine form, is celebrated with great reverence and festivities all over India, but especially in the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. Leading up to Ram Navami, Hindus observe the 9-day fast during the Chaitra Navaratri, as per Utsav website.

Sensex, Nifty Rally On March 25:

Sensex gained over 2.1% or 1,566 points to trade around 75,634 levels, which is near its day's high of 75,735.59. Meanwhile, Nifty 50 surged by 492.90 points or 2.2% to trade at 23,405.30, which is also near its day's high of 23,434.75.

In the past five trading sessions, both Sensex and Nifty recovered massive losses and are up by 0.4% to 0.5%. However, year-to-date, Sensex and Nifty are down by 10% to 11.5%.

Stock Market Outlook Ahead:

According to Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, hope is returning to the market with indications of deescalation in the conflict. Remarks from President Trump and from the Iranian regime indicate that the conflict might end soon. Particularly the reiteration from Iran that "non-hostile ships can transit the Strait of Hormuz" is good news that will mitigate India's energy concerns.

These positive geopolitical developments have reflected in sharp decline in Brent crude to around $98. The US 10-year yield also has declined. Gold has recovered.

"If this positive development sustains, there is room for a sharp rebound in the market. But if the recovery is to sustain FIIs should stop their big sustained selling, which, in turn, will require stability in the rupee. Yesterday's 399 point recovery in Nifty was caused more by short covering," added Vijayakumar.

In the near-term, the analyst said, "mid and small caps can rebound more than large caps since there is no worry of significant FII selling in this segment."

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