Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026: Date, Time & Significance

Diwali is a time of new beginnings, and the Indian stock market celebrates it with a special tradition. Every year, the Indian stock exchanges (NSE and BSE) open for a short, symbolic session called Muhurat Trading. Muhurat Trading is more than a market event- it marks a fresh start to the financial year, rooted in tradition. By taking part, investors honour age-old customs and set the tone for the year ahead with thoughtful and well-planned investments.

In this article read about the details of Muhurat Trading how this session works.

Muhurat Trading 2026 at a Glance

What is Muhurat Trading?

Muhurat Trading is a special one-hour trading session held by NSE and BSE on the day of Diwali. Investors take part in this session to begin the new year with a symbolic investment in the Indian stock market. It also marks the start of the new Samvat year, the Hindu calendar year that begins on Diwali. 2026 marks the beginning of Samvat 2083.

Diwali Muhurat Trading Date 2026

In 2026, Diwali Laxmi Pujan falls on 8 November 2026. Markets are normally closed on Sundays, but NSE and BSE has confirmed that Muhurat Trading 2026 will take place on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Regular trading is closed on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 for Diwali Balipratipada.

The Muhurat Trading date changes every year because Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar.

Muhurat Trading Time 2026

The Muhurat Trading time is decided by the exchanges and follows the auspicious Laxmi Pujan window. It is usually in the evening, but it can vary.

For 2026, the exact session schedule is yet to be declared by NSE and BSE.

Muhurat Trading time in past years

Each session is preceded by a short pre-open window for order collection and price discovery.

How Does the Muhurat Trading Session Work?

The one-hour event follows a compressed version of a normal trading day. The session is made up of the following parts:

• Block Deal Session: Two parties agree in advance to trade a set number of shares at a fixed price and report it to the exchange.
• Pre-Open Session: Lasts for about 8 minutes to determine the opening equilibrium price based on accumulated orders.
• Normal Market Session: The main one hour window where regular retail and institutional investors buy and sell stocks, derivatives or commodities.
• Call Auction Session: A brief period dedicated to matching orders for illiquid securities.
• Closing Session: A final window allowing participants to place market orders at the closing price before the bell rings.

• Cultural Importance: Diwali is the festival of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Many investors see this session as a symbolic offering and begin the new year in an auspicious way.
• New Samvat year: On Diwali, many business and trading communities in India open new account books. Muhurat Trading carries this tradition into the stock market. Every year the Samvat changes and new accounting books are opened.
• A fresh start: Investors often use the session to begin a new financial year with a clear plan, review their portfolio or make a small token purchase.

History of Muhurat Trading in India

BSE began the Muhurat Trading tradition in 1957, and NSE adopted it in 1992. Brokers traditionally lit diyas, performed Laxmi Pujan and shared sweets before the session began. Today, the tradition continues, with online platforms making it easy for investors across the country to take part. Every year, NSE and BSE confirms the Muhurat Trading details and investors prepare themselves to be a part of this special trading session.

Who Can Take Part in Muhurat Trading?

Retail investors, traders and institutions can all place orders during the session. To take part, you need:

• An active demat and trading account
• Funds available in your account before the session starts
• A quick check of the official session timings on the day

Tips Before Muhurat Trading 2026

A few simple habits help you make the most of this session:

• Plan ahead: decide what you want to buy or sell before the session, so you are not rushing within the hour.
• Keep expectations realistic: one hour is short, and prices can move quickly.
• Check liquidity: trading volumes can be lower for some stocks, which may affect how easily orders get filled.
• Think long term: many investors treat Muhurat Trading as the start of a long-term journey and focus on diversified, fundamentally strong investments rather than short-term gains.
• Keep your account ready: add funds and update your trading app a day before.