The stock markets will remain closed for three consecutive days this week due to the Eid al-Adha holiday. According to reports from ET Now, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will be closed on Thursday, May 28, 2026, specifically to observe Bakri Eid (Eid-Ul-Zuha / Eid al-Adha). This closure affects both major Indian stock exchanges, resulting in a significant break in trading activities. The closure represents the second trading holiday in May 2026, following the earlier closure on May 1 (Friday) to mark Maharashtra Day. The Qatar Stock Exchange has also announced the same holiday period from Tuesday, 26 May 2026, until Thursday, 28 May 2026, with trading resuming on Sunday, 31 May 2026 in accordance with Qatar Central Bank and Qatar Financial Markets Authority directives. Additionally, Saudi Exchange (TADAWUL) will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, also in observation of Eid al-Adha, with trading resuming on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The closure is specifically scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026, which marks the observance of Bakri Eid, a significant religious holiday in the Islamic calendar. As reported by ET Now, this closure is part of the regular observance of religious holidays by the stock exchanges, ensuring that market operations align with national and religious calendar events. The timing of the closure allows market participants to observe the holiday appropriately while maintaining normal trading schedules for other days. Bakri Eid is one of the major festivals celebrated across India and several other countries, commemorating the spirit of sacrifice and observed with prayers, charity and community gatherings.
The three-day closure represents a significant disruption to regular trading activities on both major Indian stock exchanges. According to ET Now, during stock market holidays, trading activities across various segments are halted, including equities, equity derivatives, currency derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB). This suspension affects all financial transactions within these markets until trading resumes on the next business day. The closure is part of the regular holiday schedule observed by Indian stock exchanges, ensuring that market operations align with national and religious calendar events. Market participants, including investors, traders and intermediaries, are advised to take note of these dates while planning their investment and trading strategies.
The Indian stock market will observe a total of 16 occasions in 2026, with seven holidays already observed after the Maharashtra Day closure. According to ET Now, the next market holiday after Eid al-Adha is Muharram on June 26, 2026, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Additional holidays include Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, Dussehra on October 20, Diwali Balipratipada on November 10, Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24, and Christmas on December 25. The Indian stock market operates Monday through Friday from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST, with pre-opening sessions from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM and post-closing sessions from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
