NEPSE Closed Today as Govt Announces Holiday for Buddha Jayanti and Labour Day

The Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday for today, Friday, the 18th of Baishakh, in observance of Buddha Jayanti and International Labour Day.

As a result, the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited will remain closed for the day. Regular trading activities will resume from Monday (21st Baishakh, 2083) at 11:00 AM.

Buddha Jayanti, also known as Buddha Purnima, is an important Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Observed on the full moon day of April or May, the occasion is marked by visits to monasteries, prayers, meditation, and acts of devotion. Followers light lamps, chant, and offer flowers and incense, using the day to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom, compassion, and peace.

International Labour Day, observed annually on May 1, recognizes the contributions and achievements of workers worldwide. The day honors the labor movement’s historic struggles for rights such as fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions, while also highlighting the continuing efforts to improve workers’ welfare.