Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026: History, Timings & Significance

Diwali is usually about lights, celebrations and new beginnings. But did you know that the Indian stock market also opens for a special trading session on this occasion?

Known as Muhurat Trading, this tradition brings together the cultural significance of Diwali and stock market investing.

But here’s something worth knowing: Does investing during an auspicious hour actually make a difference to your returns? And should you participate simply because it’s Muhurat Trading?

With NSE scheduling Muhurat Trading 2026 for Sunday, November 8, let’s understand its history, significance, trading timings and what investors should consider before participating.

What Is Muhurat Trading on Diwali?

Muhurat Trading is a special stock market trading session held on Diwali by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The word Muhurat means an auspicious time, and many investors consider this session a symbolic way to begin their financial journey for the new Samvat year.

What Is the History of Muhurat Trading in India?

The history of Muhurat Trading goes back to traditional business communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where Diwali marked the beginning of a new financial year, known as Samvat.

How Did the Tradition Begin?

Before stock exchanges introduced special trading sessions, merchants celebrated Diwali through Chopda Pujan, a ritual in which old account books were closed and new ledgers were blessed to welcome prosperity.

What Were the Traditional Trading Practices?

Different business communities followed different customs during Muhurat Trading:

• Gujarati Traders: Traditionally preferred buying shares during Muhurat, viewing it as a symbolic investment for future prosperity.
• Marwari Traders: Traditionally associated with selling shares during the session, welcoming cash into their businesses and households.

These were cultural customs rather than fixed trading rules.

What Are the NSE and BSE Muhurat Trading Timings in 2026?

According to the official circulars, the special session will begin with pre-open activities at 2:05 PM, followed by regular trading from 2:20 PM.

Other Trading Sessions

Important Notes

• Pre-Open and CAS Order Entry: Both market and limit orders can be entered, modified or cancelled during the first phase. During the second phase, only limit orders can be entered, modified or cancelled. Market orders cannot be modified or cancelled.
• System-driven random closure applies during the last 2 minutes of the relevant order-entry period.
• System-driven random closure applies during the last 10 minutes of the Special Pre-Open Session.
• System-driven random closure applies during the last 1 minute of the Call Auction Illiquid Session.
• All trades executed during Muhurat Trading will result in settlement obligations.

Muhurat Trading Timings 2026 – NSE/BSE (Segment-Wise)

Different market segments have different closing times during Muhurat Trading. Here’s a quick overview of the trading hours for November 8, 2026.

What Happens During Muhurat Trading?

During Muhurat Trading, investors participate in a special Diwali stock market session that combines traditional celebrations with regular buying and selling of securities.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Symbolic Investments: Some investors purchase a small number of shares to mark the beginning of the new Samvat year. These investments are often intended for long-term holding rather than immediate profits.
2. Traditional Rituals: Brokers and business owners may perform Chopda Pujan, worshipping accounting books and seeking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity.
3. Family Participation: Some families treat Muhurat Trading as an annual tradition, introducing younger members to investing or making investments together.
4. Regular Market Trading: Investors and traders can place buy and sell orders during the designated trading window. Prices may fluctuate based on demand, supply and market conditions.

Muhurat Trading Returns: How Have Markets Performed in the Last 10 Years?

Does the stock market always rise during Muhurat Trading?

Not necessarily. Between 2016 and 2025, the Nifty 50 and Sensex ended higher in 8 out of 10 Muhurat Trading sessions. However, the returns varied from year to year.

Here’s what the historical data shows:

• 8 positive sessions: Both benchmark indices recorded gains in eight of the ten years.
• Highest gains in 2022: The Nifty 50 and Sensex each rose 0.87% during the session.
• Biggest decline in 2017: The Nifty 50 fell 0.63%, while the Sensex declined 0.59%.
• Modest gains in 2025: The Nifty 50 gained 0.10%, while the Sensex rose 0.07%.

What Should You Keep in Mind During Muhurat Trading?

Muhurat Trading is a short, special market session. Here are a few things to consider before participating:

• Plan Ahead: You should research stocks and decide your investment approach before the session begins.
• Check Market Liquidity: Lower trading volumes may lead to price fluctuations and affect order execution.
• Keep Funds Ready: It is important to ensure that you have sufficient funds or margins in your trading account before placing orders.
• Manage Your Risks: Avoid making investment decisions based solely on the auspicious occasion.

Final Thought

Muhurat Trading 2026 : FAQs