Ace fund manager and investor Samir Arora has sought an additional trading break this week on account of Holi 2026, suggesting that stock markets should also remain closed on Wednesday, apart from the scheduled holiday on Tuesday.
In a post on social media platform X, Arora said Holi falls on Wednesday this year and markets should align the holiday accordingly. He also argued that a two-day break would give investors more clarity on the evolving situation around the ongoing US-Iran conflict, helping avoid unnecessary volatility and potential losses.
“After deep research, I have come to the conclusion that our stock market should be closed on Wednesday for a number of reasons: a) Holi is on Wednesday and not on Tuesday. b) Two-day holiday will allow time for clear visibility on what is happening in the Iran war, thus avoiding unnecessary volatility and losses for most investors,” the Helios Capital co-founder said.
Also Read | Stock Market Holiday: Are NSE, BSE Open Or Closed On Holi 2026?
After deep research I have come to the conclusion that our stock market should be closed on Wednesday for a number of reasons:
— Samir Arora (@Iamsamirarora) March 2, 2026
a) Holi is on Wednesday and not on Tuesday.
b) 2 day holiday will allow time for clear visibility on what is happening in Iran war thus avoiding…
According to Arora, the suspension of trading activities would allow markets to assess global developments calmly before trading resumes. His remarks followed as Indian stock exchanges are set to witness truncated trading days this week due to the Holi festival. Several states, including Maharashtra, are set to celebrate Holi on March 3. As a result, Mumbai-based NSE and BSE will observe a trading holiday on Tuesday. However, the festival of colours will be celebrated in many other states on March 4, as per regional calendars.
In a lighter vein, Arora appealed to domestic institutional investors (DIIs), foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and retail participants to increase their daily trading activity by 0.5% for the rest of the year.
“I appeal to the DIIs/FIIs and retail to trade an extra 0.5% every day (1/200- to make up for one extra holiday in a 200 odd day year) in the balance of the year so that our esteemed exchanges and brokers are not negatively affected,” he said.
His comments have evoked mixed reactions from social media users, with many praising Arora for his humorous take on the stock market holiday amid a global turmoil triggered by the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“Trading in humour derivatives should remain open,” a user replied.
Trading in humor derivatives should remain open
— Subir H Chaudhuri (@psychiatrycal) March 2, 2026
With a sarcastic tone, another user questioned the practicality of Arora's suggestion. “Sir, two days of market closure? How will our 'buy every dip' warriors function? We were built to fight volatility, not take holidays,” the comment read.
Aligning with Arora's sentiments, another user posted: “Also if the exchanges want they can open the market coming Saturday instead of Wednesday……..win win for all.”
Other users also echoed similar sentiments, noting that “a 48-hour buffer to absorb the shockwaves from the Iran turbulence could actually be a brilliant thought experiment for retail wealth protection.”
Earlier, Arora was also involved in a public exchange with Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath over market holidays. During Mumbai's civic body elections in January, Kamath had questioned the closure of the exchanges for local events despite global participation.
So if it does not matter to anyone who does it matter to.
— Samir Arora (@Iamsamirarora) January 15, 2026
I hope u will say the same thing when the market is open on Sunday Feb 1st. Why do we want market to be open just because there is budget that day? If our exchange has international linkages is it not unfair to foreign… https://t.co/nf4829g4kC
To this, Arora responded that predictability matters more than fewer holidays. At the time, he had argued that markets have also opened on Sundays for events like the Union Budget, which can be an inconvenience to overseas investors.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
