&format=webp&quality=medium)
Holi 2025: As the nation gears up for Holi, the festival of colors, and a long weekend ahead, notably from stock markets and banks to public transport, various sectors will observe schedule changes in view of the celebrations. Here’s everything you need to know about market holidays, bank closures, metro services, and Holika Dahan timings.
Trading to remain closed across all segments It is to be noted that the stock exchanges of Bombay (BSE) and National (NSE) will remain closed on Friday, March 14, 2025, on account of Holi. According to the official holiday calendar released by BSE (bseindia.com) and NSE (nseindia.com), there will be no trading across the equity, equity derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) segments. Also closed are the currency, commodity, and derivatives markets for the day; thus, a complete halt in trading activity.
Banking services will also be impacted as Holi is a significant public holiday in multiple states. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday schedule for the year 2025, banks in certain regions shall remain closed from March 13 (Thursday) to March 16 (Sunday) due to Holi and the subsequent weekend, resulting in a three-day closure for that period. On this day of Holi, both public and private sector banks shall remain non-operative and this will affect financial transactions and physical banking service on March 14 in some states. People can, however, carry out online banking, ATM transactions, and digital payments
Holika Dahan, or Chhoti Holi, which is celebrated on the eve of Holi and symbolises the victory of good over evil. This year, Holika Dahan is being celebrated on March 13, 2025, which falls on a Thursday. The auspicious Holika Dahan Muhurat is between 11:26 pm to 12:31 am (for March 14). According to Hindu traditions, the bonfire should be lit during Pradosh Kaal (evening time after sunset), but one must avoid the inauspicious Bhadra period, which prevails in the first half of the full moon (Purnima) night.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced a schedule change for Holi 2025. On Friday, March 14, metro train services will not be available until 2:30 pm on all lines, including the Airport Express Line, resulting in a deviation from the regular schedule, where services usually start around 5:00 am. The trains will commence operations at 2:30 pm from terminal stations and continue as per the usual schedule thereafter. Commuters planning to travel early in the day are advised to make alternative arrangements.