Gurmeet Chadha slams NSE and BSE for staying open on Diwali, questions ‘greed’

Even as India celebrates the biggest festival of the year, Diwali, not everyone is in a festive mood as stock markets remain open. Gurmeet Chadha, Managing Partner and CIO at Complete Circle Consultants, took to social media to criticize the decision of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE to remain operational on Diwali.

“Happy Diwali to all except NSE and BSE… What kind of greed is this? Why can’t we stay closed for one DAY on the biggest festival of the country… So many market intermediaries working today…,” Chadha said.

Chadha pointed out that several market intermediaries and participants were forced to work during the holiday, dampening the spirit of the festival. Traditionally, Indian stock markets hold a Muhurat trading session on Diwali, which symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings. This year, however, as broader market operations continue alongside the symbolic session, voices like Chadha’s have reignited the debate over preserving the festival’s sanctity versus market convenience.

While Diwali is being celebrated in many parts of India today, Indian stock markets will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday i.e. October 21 and 22 due to Laxmi Pujan and Diwali Balipratipada.

However, there will be a ‘Muhurat’ trading session on Tuesday, a one-hour session on the day of Diwali. Traditionally, Indian stock markets hold a Muhurat trading session on this day, which symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings.

The Muhurat trading session is held between 1:45 PM and 2:45 PM, with changes allowed until 2:55 PM. Trading will be allowed in all market segments, including equities, derivatives, currencies and commodities.

Also Read: Diwali Stock Market Holiday: Are NSE and BSE Open Today or Closed for Diwali 2025? Check now

Market participants view this session as an auspicious start for wealth creation, and investors across India, from seasoned traders to novice retail buyers, often participate in the short, festive period.

Chadha regularly voices his views on stock markets and financial issues on the microblogging platform X.

When markets recently witnessed sharp corrections amid foreign money outflows, Chadha suggested staying in the game and staying patient as a key for investors. For him, the turnaround could be double-digit profit growth and unleashing more reforms.

Read more: Gurmeet Chadha’s mantra in the stock market is to stay in the game. See these two things to reverse trends

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions expressed by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)