Markets shut for Mahavir Jayanti, investors pause after volatile close to fiscal year

Trading activity in Indian equity markets remained suspended on Tuesday as both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange stayed closed on account of Mahavir Jayanti, offering investors a brief pause after a turbulent end to the financial year.

The holiday comes against the backdrop of heightened volatility in recent sessions, with sharp swings driven by global cues, foreign fund outflows and rising commodity prices. The break in trading is seen by market participants as an opportunity to reassess positions following the recent correction.

Mahavir Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, is among the listed trading holidays observed by Indian exchanges each year. While primary markets and derivatives trading also remain shut, commodity markets operate on a modified schedule depending on the segment.

With the financial year having just concluded, attention is now expected to shift towards corporate earnings for the March quarter, which will set the tone for market direction in the near term. Investors will also track global developments closely, particularly movements in crude oil and interest rate signals from major central banks.

The pause in trading, though brief, comes at a time when clarity on both domestic earnings and external risks is keenly awaited.