Every year, one question pops up among traders, investors, and anyone who follows the stock market: “Will the market be open on October 2?”
It’s a fair question, because October 2 is not just any date. It’s Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, one of India’s most significant national holidays. And in 2025, it coincides with Dussehra, another widely celebrated festival. The overlap makes the answer even more important for those planning trades, settlements, or investment moves around that week.
So, let’s break this down clearly: On October 2, 2025, the share market in India will be closed.
But there’s more to the story — and if you trade actively or rely on precise timing for your investments, you’ll want to understand the details.
Why October 2 Is a Market Holiday
October 2 has a special place in India’s calendar. It marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and it’s one of just a handful of holidays that are observed nationwide, across states and industries.
The stock exchanges — both NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) — treat Gandhi Jayanti as a full-day holiday every year. That means no equity, derivative, or debt trading on this date.
In 2025, the coincidence with Dussehra only reinforces the closure. So whether you’re looking to trade equities, futures and options, or commodities, you’ll find the markets shut.
How Holiday Calendars Are Decided
Markets don’t just close randomly. There’s a system behind it.
- Exchanges publish an official calendar – At the beginning of every year, NSE and BSE release a list of trading holidays. This calendar is the final word on whether markets will be open or shut.
- National vs. regional holidays – Not every festival is included. For instance, Onam or Pongal might be state-specific, but October 2 is recognized nationwide, so it’s always included.
- Clearing and settlement schedules – Alongside trading, settlement also halts. So if you buy shares on October 1, you’ll see settlement only on October 3, after the holiday.
October 2 Over the Years
Here’s a quick look back:
- 2023: October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) was a trading holiday.
- 2024: Same — Gandhi Jayanti remained on the calendar as a holiday.
- 2025: Again closed, but this time, it overlaps with Dussehra, making it a double-significance holiday.
The takeaway: October 2 is a consistent holiday every year. You don’t have to second-guess it.
Why Market Holidays Matter More Than You Think
At first glance, a single holiday might not seem like a big deal. But in trading, timing is everything. Here’s how October 2 can influence things:
- Liquidity shift – On October 1, the day before the holiday, traders often adjust their positions. This can lead to higher volatility or thinner volumes.
- Global influences – While India is on holiday, U.S. and Asian markets continue trading. If big news breaks on October 2 internationally, our market may open with a gap on October 3.
- Settlement delays – For those expecting fund transfers or share deliveries, the T+1 cycle gets extended by a day.
So even if you don’t plan to trade on October 2 itself, the holiday can affect your portfolio around it.
What This Means for Different Types of Investors
Long-Term Investors
If you’re holding for years, a one-day holiday barely moves the needle. But if you need liquidity (say you’re selling to withdraw funds), factor in the delay caused by the holiday.
Active Traders
This matters more for you. You’ll want to avoid carrying risky intraday or short-term positions into a holiday. Gaps on October 3 could work against you.
Futures and Options Players
October 2 can matter even more if it falls close to an expiry date. Less trading time means higher pressure on the sessions before and after.
Commodity and Currency Traders
Since exchanges align their holidays, commodities and currencies won’t trade either. You’ll want to keep an eye on global commodity moves during the break.
Common Misconceptions
- “If banks are closed, markets are closed.”
Not always. But on October 2, both are closed. - “Markets reopen in the evening for festivals.”
That’s only true for Diwali, when there’s a special Muhurat Trading session. Gandhi Jayanti has no such exception. - “Holidays mean no price movement.”
Markets abroad still trade. Any global shock on October 2 will reflect sharply on October 3 in India.
Practical Tips Around October 2
- Plan settlements in advance – Don’t schedule urgent fund withdrawals or transfers around the holiday.
- Square off risky positions – Especially if you’re an intraday trader.
- Use the downtime – Step back, review your trading strategy, or simply enjoy the break. Markets will always be there tomorrow.
- Stay globally informed – Watch how U.S. and Asian indices behave on October 2. They often set the tone for India’s next opening.
How India Compares With Global Markets
It’s interesting to note:
- In the U.S., stock markets don’t close for religious or cultural festivals, only for federal holidays. Gandhi Jayanti, for example, has no equivalent there.
- In the UK, markets follow government-declared bank holidays, not cultural dates.
- India stands out for having a longer holiday calendar, combining both national holidays and important festivals.
This is why Indian traders often face fewer trading days in a year compared to their U.S. or European counterparts.
Key Dates Around October 2, 2025
- October 1 (Wednesday): Market open, but expect higher activity as traders adjust positions.
- October 2 (Thursday): Market closed (Gandhi Jayanti + Dussehra).
- October 3 (Friday): Normal trading resumes.
The Bottom Line
So, let’s circle back to the main question: Is the share market open on October 2?
The answer is simple: No. The Indian share market is closed every year on Gandhi Jayanti, and in 2025, the closure also coincides with Dussehra.
For most long-term investors, this is just a footnote in the calendar. But for active traders, derivatives participants, and anyone timing settlements, October 2 is a date to plan around.
Mark it, adjust your strategies if needed, and maybe even enjoy the break. After all, markets will be back in full swing on October 3.