New Delhi – Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, ushers in a period of deep mourning and reflection for Muslims worldwide. Today, July 17, 2024, marks Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, a day of profound significance commemorating the Battle of Karbala. This day is solemnly observed with widespread closures of banks, schools, and government offices across India.
Key Closures on Muharram 2024
Stock Markets Closed
India’s primary stock exchanges, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), will be closed today in observance of Muharram. Trading activities across various segments, including stock, equity derivatives, SLB, currency derivatives, and interest rate derivatives, will come to a halt. Despite the market closure, several companies are scheduled to announce their financial results for the first quarter of the financial year 2024–2025 (Q1FY25). Notable among these are Asian Paints Ltd, LTIMindtree Ltd, Hathway Cable & Datacom Ltd, and Elecon Engineering Company Ltd.
Banks to Remain Shut
In line with the public holiday, banks across multiple Indian states will remain closed today. The states affected include New Delhi, Patna, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Jammu, Tripura, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. This widespread closure reflects the national observance of Muharram, ensuring that various financial institutions cease operations in respect of the solemn occasion.
Muharram’s observance, particularly Ashura, is a day marked by grief and remembrance for the sacrifices made during the Battle of Karbala. This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who stood for their beliefs, impacting millions of people globally.