Diwali celebrations began across the country this week — with various businesses briefly closing their doors amid the festivities. Schools and colleges across the country have declared an extended festive break while many offices will remain closed for the Diwali long weekend. The stock exchanges will also remain closed on Tuesday for Diwali and Lakshmi Puja — with only a one-hour Muhurat Trading window. Several states have declared Diwali a dry day.
Is Diwali a dry day?
Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, have declared Diwali a dry day. This means liquor shops in these areas will remain open only on Dhanteras and Bhai Dooj — with a strict ban on October 21. The sale of alcohol is banned by licensed outlets on dry days (including government and private license holders) as well as restaurants. The Excise Department has also ramped up monitoring to ensure compliance with alcohol regulations amid the festive season and drinking in open spaces can lead to fines or even legal prosecution.
Will the stock market close for Diwali?
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) are in the midst of a long closure due to the festivities. It will remain open for normal trading on Monday after the two-day weekend. Both exchanges will again close for two days starting Tuesday — for Diwali, Lakshmi Puja and Balipratipada.
Investors will also get a symbolic one-hour trading window to mark the start of Vikram Samvat 2082 (the Hindu New Year) on Tuesday afternoon. This year, the Muhurat Trading session will take place from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm on October 21.
Is Diwali a bank holiday?
Major banks will remain closed in most states for Diwali celebrations next week. According to the RBI calendar, most states will have a holiday on October 20 for Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi and Kali Puja celebrations. Manipur, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir are the sole exceptions — with banks remaining open on Monday. Several states will see banks close on between October 21 and 23 for Diwali, Govardhan Pooja, Balipadyami, Laxmi Puja, Bhai Dooj and other celebrations.
Public transport services affected?
Several states have announced changes to their public transit schedules for the festival. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has announced revised train timings for Diwali — with early morning services on the eve of the festival and curtailed operations on the night of the festival. The last metro trains from all terminal stations (including those on the Airport Express Line) will depart at 10 pm instead of the regular 11 pm on Monday.