Markets, RBI, tax, budget & trade
The Reserve Bank of India has released its official holiday calendar for March 2026, mandating bank closures on 11 days across the country excluding second and fourth Saturdays. Closures coincide with festivals including Holi, Gudhi Padwa, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti. Citizens are advised to plan banking transactions in advance to avoid disruptions.
IndiGo has cancelled 160 international flights on March 2, 2026 due to airspace closures and restrictions in the Middle East triggered by Iran-Israel escalation. The airline extended its precautionary suspension of Middle East operations until 11:59 pm on March 2. Passengers booked before February 28 can claim full refunds or reschedule flights free until March 7 without additional charges.
India's stock exchanges—NSE and BSE—will remain closed for 12 days in March 2026 due to festive occasions including Holi, Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti, along with regular weekend closures. Traders and investors must plan their transactions and portfolio strategies around these non-trading days to avoid settlement delays and execution gaps.
