The Indian stock market will remain closed today, October 20, 2026, as NSE and BSE observe a trading holiday on account of Dussehra. This marks the second exchange holiday of October 2026, following the earlier closure on October 2 for Gandhi Jayanti. According to The Economic Times, a total of 16 stock market holidays have been scheduled for 2026, with twelve already passed. The next trading holiday will fall on Tuesday, November 10, for Diwali-Balipratipada, followed by November 24 for Guru Nanak Jayanti and December 25 for Christmas, which will be the final market holiday of 2026. Multi Commodity Exchange of India will remain closed during the morning session but resume trading in the evening session, while the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited will remain shut for both trading sessions on the same day.
Investment traditions in India date back to ancient times, with evidence of celebrations and gifting culture during the Neolithic period (6,000 BC to 1,000 BC) when people moved from hunting to agriculture. According to reports from LiveMint, during this period, people began domesticating animals and celebrated crop harvests, adopting a gifting culture of handing over crops and domesticated animals to family members. The tradition continues in modern India, where retail investors can access listed companies through BSE and NSE, offering growth potential over time. With the stock market remaining closed today, investors can continue their investment activities during this auspicious period, though current market conditions present challenges for immediate gains.
Market analyst Mahesh M Ojha, VP — Research and Business Development at KC Securities, has provided a positive outlook for Indian markets. As reported by LiveMint, Ojha noted that the average P/E of Nifty 50 and Sensex is fairly priced at around 19.50, well below the last 5 years and last 10 years median price. The Bank Nifty index is trading at an average P/E multiple of 13.25, which he considers fairly valued within the last 2-5 years' average P/E range of 12.50 to 16.70. However, current market performance shows significant pressure with Bank Nifty declining 355.90 points to 55,488.10, down 0.64%, indicating that near-term market dynamics may influence valuation assessments.
For stock investors planning investments this Dussehra, Ojha has recommended three long-term shares with a one-year time horizon. According to LiveMint, the recommended stocks are ICICI Bank with a buy range of ₹1,360 to ₹1,380 and target price of ₹1,650, Adani Ports with a buy range of ₹1,740 to ₹1,765 and target price of ₹2,050, and Reliance Industries with a buy range of ₹1,195 to ₹1,202 and target price of ₹1,500+. These recommendations are based on expected turnaround on Dalal Street in the near-term, with the market's operational status on Dussehra providing additional opportunities for investors. However, current market conditions show mixed performance with ICICI Bank closing at ₹1,381.00, down 1.15%, while Axis Bank declined 4.19% to ₹1,236.00.
Modern investment tools have evolved significantly for retail investors in India. As reported by LiveMint, while wealthy individuals can invest in physical gold, silver, and land, marginal retail investors now have access to electronic and digital gold and silver with investments starting from Re 1. Similarly, investors unable to afford land purchases can buy Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) units. The availability of listed company shares on BSE and NSE provides accessible investment opportunities for all retail investors seeking long-term growth potential, with the stock market's operational status on Dussehra enhancing these opportunities. Recent market activity shows active trading across various sectors, with stocks like PC Jeweller Ltd leading volume charts while showing significant gains, though current volatility presents challenges for immediate investment decisions.
