Muhurat Trading 2026: Date, Time, Meaning & Session Timings
Muhurat Trading 2026 will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the day of Diwali Laxmi Pujan. NSE and BSE will open for a special one-hour live session. The main trading window runs from 2:20 PM IST to 3:30 PM IST.
This guide covers the Muhurat Trading 2026 date and time, the full session-wise timings, what Muhurat Trading means, how it works, past performance, who can benefit, and answers to common questions.
Muhurat Trading 2026 Date and Time
Muhurat Trading 2026 date and time were confirmed by NSE and BSE in circulars dated October 19, 2026. Diwali falls on a Sunday this year, so the exchanges are opening on a day when the market would normally be closed. The session is in the afternoon this year, not the usual evening slot.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Occasion | Diwali Laxmi Pujan |
| New Samvat | Samvat 2083 |
| Block Deal Window | 1:50 PM – 2:05 PM |
| Pre-Open Session | 2:05 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Main Trading Session | 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Exchanges | NSE, BSE (MCX also holds a session) |
| Official Circular | NSE/CMTR/76941 (October 19, 2026) |
| Settlement | All trades create settlement obligations |
Verify the schedule on the official National Stock Exchange website and the BSE India website.
What is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a special stock market session that NSE and BSE hold on Diwali, even though Diwali is listed as a trading holiday. The session usually lasts about one hour. Investors place token buy orders to start the new Hindu financial year (Samvat) on a good note.
Muhurat Trading Meaning and Significance
Muhurat Trading meaning comes from the word “muhurat”, which means an auspicious time chosen according to Hindu astrology. On Diwali, traders and brokers worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and believe that investing during this window brings prosperity for the year.
The tradition is significant for three reasons:
- New financial year. Many trading communities treat Diwali as the start of their accounting year. Brokers once opened new client settlement accounts during this window.
- Chopda Pujan. Traders perform a puja of their account books (chopda) before the session.
- Token investing. Many investors buy a few shares of strong companies as a goodwill gesture, not for short-term profit.
Muhurat Trading 2026 Timings & Sessions
Muhurat Trading 2026 timings & sessions are split across segments. Here is the full schedule for each.
Equity Segment (NSE & BSE Cash Market)
| Session | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Block Deal Session | 1:50 PM | 2:05 PM |
| Pre-Open Order Entry (limit + market orders) | 2:05 PM | 2:10 PM |
| Pre-Open Order Entry (limit orders only) | 2:10 PM | 2:15 PM |
| Pre-Open Order Matching & Confirmation | 2:15 PM | 2:17 PM |
| Pre-Open Buffer Period | 2:17 PM | 2:20 PM |
| Normal Market Open | 2:20 PM | – |
| Call Auction (Illiquid Securities) | 2:25 PM | 3:10 PM |
| Normal Market Close (CAS securities) | – | 3:15 PM |
| CAS Order Entry | 3:20 PM | 3:30 PM |
| Normal Market Close (non-CAS securities) | – | 3:30 PM |
| CAS Matching & Confirmation | 3:30 PM | 3:35 PM |
| Post-Close Session | 3:50 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Trade Modification Cut-Off | 2:20 PM | 4:15 PM |
CAS = Closing Auction Session.
Muhurat Trading Time: Why It Changes Every Year
Muhurat Trading time is not fixed. The exchanges set it each year based on the auspicious muhurat for Laxmi Pujan, then announce it by circular a few weeks before Diwali.
| Year | Date | Slot |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, November 8 | Afternoon (2:20 PM – 3:30 PM) |
| 2025 | Tuesday, October 21 | Afternoon |
| 2024 | Friday, November 1 | Evening |
| 2023 | Sunday, November 12 | Evening |
Always check the official exchange circular before you place orders. Older timings do not apply.
How Does Muhurat Trading Work?
- Block deal window opens. Large pre-agreed trades between two parties go through first.
- Pre-open session runs. Orders are collected and the exchange finds the opening (equilibrium) price.
- Normal market opens at 2:20 PM. You can buy, sell, trade intraday, or take F&O positions as usual.
- Closing session runs. The closing price is set through the Closing Auction Session.
- Trades settle. Delivery trades settle on the standard T+1 cycle, and open positions carry settlement obligations.
Important points:
- Intraday positions not squared off by the close are auto-squared off, as on any normal day
- Regular brokerage, STT, exchange charges and GST apply
- Liquidity is usually lower, so price swings can be sharper
- You need a funded trading and demat account before the session starts
Risks and Things to Keep in Mind
Before you trade in Muhurat Trading 2026, keep these points in mind:
- No guaranteed gains. An auspicious day does not remove market risk.
- Low liquidity. Fewer participants can mean wider bid-ask spreads.
- High volatility. Prices can move sharply in a short window.
- Short session. About 70 minutes leaves little time to correct mistakes.
- Settlement applies. Every trade is binding, so make sure you have enough funds or shares.
- Holiday right after. Markets are closed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (Diwali Balipratipada), which can delay your reaction to news.
Conclusion – Muhurat Trading 2026
- Muhurat Trading 2026 will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, on Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
- Muhurat Trading 2026 date and time: the main session runs from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST on NSE and BSE.
- Muhurat Trading 2026 timings include a block deal window (1:50–2:05 PM) and a pre-open session (2:05–2:20 PM).
- Muhurat Trading marks the start of Samvat 2083, the new Hindu financial year.
- Muhurat Trading trades are real. They carry settlement obligations and normal charges.
- Muhurat Trading history shows 8 positive sessions out of 10 between 2016 and 2025, with gains mostly under 1%.
- Muhurat Trading is followed by a market holiday on November 10, 2026 (Diwali Balipratipada).
FAQ – Muhurat Trading 2026
1. What is the muhurat trading time?
The Muhurat Trading time for 2026 is 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST for the normal market. The pre-open session runs from 2:05 PM to 2:20 PM, and the block deal window from 1:50 PM to 2:05 PM.
2. When is Muhurat Trading in 2026?
Muhurat Trading in 2026 is on Sunday, November 8, 2026, on Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
3. Is it good to invest in muhurat trading?
It can be a good time for a symbolic, long-term investment, but it is not a shortcut to profits.
| Good Idea If… | Avoid If… |
|---|---|
| You buy quality stocks for the long term | You expect quick, guaranteed gains |
| You invest a small token amount | You trade with high leverage |
| You have researched the company | You buy only on festive sentiment |
4. What is Diwali Muhurat trading?
Diwali Muhurat trading is a special one-hour stock market session held on Diwali to mark the start of the new Hindu financial year (Samvat). Investors buy stocks as a sign of good luck and prosperity.
5. Can I sell shares in muhurat trading?
Yes. You can:
- Sell shares you already hold in your demat account
- Take intraday buy and sell positions
- Trade futures and options
All trades settle normally under the T+1 cycle.
6. Is Muhurat Trading always bullish?
No. The market closed higher in 8 out of 10 sessions from 2016 to 2025, but it fell in some years. In 2017, for example, the Nifty dropped about 0.6%. A positive history does not guarantee a positive session.
7. How long is Muhurat trading?
Muhurat trading lasts about one hour. In 2026 the normal market session runs for 70 minutes (2:20 PM to 3:30 PM). With the block deal and pre-open windows included, the full session runs from 1:50 PM to 3:30 PM.
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Disclaimer: Investing in the stock market carries risk. This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Please consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making investment decisions.
