Gurmeet Chadha slams NSE, BSE for remaining open on Diwali, questions "greed"

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

"Happy Diwali to everyone except NSE and BSE... What is this greed? Why cant we remain closed for 1 DAY on the largest festival of the nation... So many market intermediaries working today...," Chadha said.



Chadha pointed out that several market intermediaries and participants were compelled to work on the holiday, dampening the spirit of the festival.

Traditionally, Indian stock exchanges conduct a Muhurat trading session on Diwali, symbolising prosperity and new beginnings. However, this year, with broader market operations continuing alongside the symbolic session, voices like Chadha’s have reignited debate on maintaining the sanctity of the festival versus market convenience.

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

However, there will be a 'Muhurat' trading session on Tuesday which is a one hours session on the day of Diwali. Traditionally, Indian stock exchanges conduct a Muhurat trading session on this day, symbolising prosperity and new beginnings.

The Muhurat Trading session will be held between 1:45 pm and 2:45 pm, with modification allowed till 2:55 pm. Trading will be permitted across all market segments, including equities, derivatives, currency, and commodities.

Also Read: Diwali Stock Market Holiday: Are NSE and BSE open or closed today 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 first-time retail buyers, often participate in the short, festive window.

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

Recently when the markets were witnessing sharp corrections amid foreign money outflows, Chadha suggested staying in the game and remaining patient as a key for investors. For him, the turnaround could be a double-digit earnings growth and unleashing of more reforms.

Read more: Gurmeet Chadha's stock market mantra is stay in the game. Sees these 2 things to reverse trends

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