Is today a holiday in India? Yes, it is, as the country observes Mahavir Jayanti, a significant festival for the Jain community. On March 31, 2026, banks across several regions, including major cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata, will remain closed.
This holiday is part of a total of 18 bank holidays in March, with Mahavir Jayanti being the final one for the month. The closure will affect banks in cities such as Belapur, Chennai, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, and Ranchi.
Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, marking the 2624th anniversary of his birth. The festival inspires followers to lead lives of peace, self-discipline, and righteousness.
In addition to banks, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will also be closed today in observance of Shri Mahavir Jayanti. Trading in equities and derivatives will be halted for the day, while the commodity derivatives segment will remain closed during the morning session but will reopen in the evening.
This marks the first of two market holidays scheduled for the week. Jain communities worldwide are set to celebrate this important occasion, reflecting the cultural significance of Mahavir Jayanti.
Following today’s holiday, trading will resume on April 1, coinciding with the closing of yearly accounts. This transition is crucial for investors and traders who are preparing for the upcoming month.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional observances or events that may take place in conjunction with Mahavir Jayanti. However, the focus remains on the celebration of Lord Mahavir’s teachings and the values he represents.
