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Muhurat Trading 2026: Timings, Date and Trading Process

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muhurat trading 2026

Last Updated on Oct 28, 2026 by Aishika Banerjee

Muhurat trading is a special session that NSE and BSE hold on Diwali Laxmi Pujan. In 2026, it takes place on Sunday, 8th November, with continuous trading from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST. Stocks in the Closing Auction Session (CAS) stop normal trading at 3:15 PM. Timings are set by NSE circular NSE/CMTR/76941 dated 19 October 2026.

Muhurat Trading Meaning and Significance

Muhurat refers to an auspicious period in Hindu tradition. Muhurat Trading is a special stock market session held around Diwali, during which traders and investors can place orders on Indian exchanges. The custom is associated with Laxmi Pujan and the beginning of the traditional Hindu accounting year. While some participants make small, symbolic investments, orders placed during the session are real market trades and carry the same investment risks and settlement obligations as other trades.

In 2026, Diwali Muhurat Trading will be held on Sunday, 8th November. The main NSE and BSE session begins at 2:20 PM IST. Exchanges announced the Muhurat trading date and timings in circulars dated 19th October 2026.

Diwali Muhurat Trading Time and Date in 2026

NSE’s capital market circular NSE/CMTR/76941, dated 19th October 2026, sets out a staggered schedule. Continuous trading starts at 2:20 PM IST. For securities covered by the Closing Auction Session (CAS), continuous trading ends at 3:15 PM, followed by the closing auction. Other securities continue trading until 3:30 PM. All times below are IST.

Muhurat Trading NSE Session Timings for 2026

Session Muhurat Trading DateTimings
Block deal session8th November 20261:50 PM – 2:05 PM
Pre-open session8th November 20262:05 PM – 2:20 PM
Continuous trading begins8th November 20262:20 PM
Continuous trading for CAS securities8th November 20262:20 PM – 3:15 PM
Continuous trading for non-CAS securities8th November 20262:20 PM – 3:30 PM
Closing auction for CAS securities8th November 2026Order entry 3:20 PM – 3:30 PM; matching 3:30 PM – 3:35 PM
Post-close session8th November 20263:50 PM – 4:00 PM
Special pre-open for IPO/relisted securities8th November 20262:05 PM – 2:50 PM
Normal trading for special-pre-open securities8th November 20263:05 PM – 3:30 PM
Call auction for illiquid securities8th November 20262:25 PM – 3:10 PM
Trade modification cut-off (cash market)8th November 20264:15 PM

Note: The pre-open session includes order-entry, matching and buffer periods, with exchange-defined random closures. The CAS timetable is relevant only to eligible securities. Equity derivatives and other market segments may follow different closing and modification deadlines. Consult the applicable exchange circular and your broker before placing orders.

History Behind Muhurat Trading in India

Muhurat Trading has been associated with the Indian stock market for decades. BSE began conducting a formal Muhurat Trading session in 1957. The tradition later extended to NSE. For many trading communities, Diwali also signifies the start of a new accounting year, when business owners traditionally perform Chopra Pujan, or the worship of account books. The modern session preserves that cultural association while transactions take place through the normal electronic market infrastructure.

Why is the Muhurat Trading Session Important?

The session combines cultural significance with an opportunity to trade on a designated market holiday. Investors sometimes use it to mark the beginning of a new financial period or make a symbolic purchase. However, the auspicious timing does not improve a company’s earnings, valuation or financial condition. Any investment decision should depend on an investor’s research, objectives, and risk tolerance.

The 2025 session provides a recent example of how markets can behave. On 21st October 2025, the Sensex ended at 84,426.34, up 62.97 points (0.07%), while the Nifty 50 finished at 25,868.60, gaining 25.45 points (0.10%). These modest increases don’t prove that every Muhurat session delivers strong returns.

How Does Muhurat Trading Work?

  • Block deal session: A separate window for eligible large transactions between counterparties, subject to exchange rules.
  • Pre-open session: Orders are collected and matched before continuous trading begins. Random closures and order restrictions apply.
  • Continuous trading: Buy and sell orders are placed and executed through the exchange, based on available liquidity and market prices.
  • Closing auction: In 2026, designated CAS securities move from continuous trading into a separate price-discovery and closing process.
  • Special pre-open and call auction: Separate windows apply to eligible IPO/relisted securities and certain illiquid securities.
  • Post-close and trade modification: Exchange-defined processing windows follow the main session; they are not extensions of normal continuous trading.

Starting your Investment Journey on Muhurat Trading

Below are a few pointers to help you get started:

Step 1: Open a Demat account. This is to store the shares you buy electronically.

Step 2: Add funds from your bank account to your Demat account.

Step 3: Research your desired Muhurat trading shares. This would include examining the stock’s historical prices, analysing the company’s financial statements, conducting peer comparisons, and more. For easy access to such information, you can visit Tickertape. 

Step 4: After your research, you are all set to start investing in stocks.

To ease your process of researching stocks, keep an eye on them through Tickertape’s active Watchlist. Tickertape allows you to connect your broker account with your Tickertape account. Doing this will help you invest in stocks directly from the Tickertape website or app. In fact, you can transact in not one but stocks of multiple companies by adding them to your Basket. Buying shares is now as convenient as shopping on an e-commerce site!

Advantages of the Muhurat Trading Session

  • High Participation: Muhurat Trading often attracts active participation from investors and traders. Many participate for cultural and symbolic reasons, which can result in decent participation.
  • Cultural Significance: Muhurat Trading holds cultural importance as part of Diwali traditions. Many families and businesses consider the occasion auspicious and mark it by placing token trades in the stock market.
  • Market Sentiment: The festive atmosphere often encourages investors during Muhurat Trading. However, markets do not always maintain this momentum on the following trading day, and historical returns have varied.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Participating in Muhurat Trading

Here are a few factors to consider before participating in Muhurat Trading.

  • Settlement Rules: Trades made during the Muhurat session follow the same settlement rules as regular trades. Investors must meet the usual settlement obligations, and exchanges process these transactions through the standard settlement cycle.
  • Limited Duration: Unlike a regular trading day, Muhurat Trading takes place within a shorter window. This concentrates trading activity into a limited period, making price movements more noticeable.
  • Market Activity: The festive atmosphere can increase trading activity and lead to short periods of volatility. Stock prices may change quickly as investors place orders during the limited session.
  • Rumour Spread: Speculation and market rumours can influence trading decisions during Muhurat Trading. Investors may react to unverified information, which can contribute to sudden price movements.
  • Focus on Volume: Stocks with higher trading volumes often attract more attention during Muhurat Trading. Increased buying and selling activity can reflect short-term market sentiment and influence price movements.

Conclusion

Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, 8th November, with the main session beginning at 2:20 PM IST. For those checking the muhurat trading time today, the session takes place on 8th November, with continuous trading ending at 3:15 PM for CAS securities and 3:30 PM for non-CAS securities. While the Deepawali trading time holds cultural significance, investors should assess businesses, valuations and risks as they would on any trading day. Tickertape’s screening and watchlist tools can support this research.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks, and Muhurat Trading does not guarantee profits. Trading timings and rules may change, so investors should check the latest NSE and BSE announcements before placing trades.

FAQs About Muhurat Trading

1. What is a Muhurat Trade?

Muhurat Trading is a special trading session that Indian stock exchanges hold on Diwali Laxmi Pujan. While the session has cultural significance, regular market rules apply to share prices, trading risks and settlement.

2. What is the stock market Diwali Muhurat trading date and time in 2026?

Muhurat Trading takes place on Sunday, 8th November 2026, during Diwali. The NSE and BSE will open for a special session from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST to mark the beginning of Samvat 2083.

3. Can I buy stocks during Muhurat Trading?

Yes, you can buy or sell stocks through your trading account during Muhurat Trading. Since the session is shorter than a normal trading day, prices may move quickly. It helps to research the stocks you want to trade and consider whether they fit your investment goals and risk tolerance.

4. Is Muhurat Trading profitable?

Not necessarily. Stock prices can rise or fall during Muhurat Trading, just like on any other trading day. Markets have closed higher during several past sessions, but that does not mean they will deliver positive returns in 2026.

5. Is intraday trading allowed in Muhurat Trading?

Yes, you can place intraday trades in eligible segments if your broker allows them. Brokers may follow different cut-off times and square-off rules, so check these before placing an order.

6. When did Muhurat Trading begin?

The BSE introduced formal Muhurat Trading sessions in 1957. The practice comes from the tradition of starting a new accounting period around Diwali, which several trading communities continue to follow.

7. Can NRIs participate in Muhurat Trading?

Yes, eligible NRIs can take part in Muhurat Trading through compliant trading accounts. The instruments and types of orders they can use depend on applicable regulations and their broker’s requirements.

8. Are derivative trades allowed during Muhurat Trading?

Yes, the exchanges allow trading in eligible derivative segments during Muhurat Trading 2026. The trading hours and deadlines for modifying orders may differ from those in the equity cash market.

9. What are the Muhurat Trading timings for futures and options in 2026?

The NSE equity futures and options session runs from 2:20 PM to 3:40 PM IST on 8th November 2026. Traders have until 3:50 PM to modify trades. Check the exchange circular or your broker’s notice for the applicable rules.

10. Can I place orders in the pre-open session?

Yes, you can place eligible orders during the pre-open session between 2:05 PM and 2:20 PM IST. This period has its own order-entry phases, restrictions and random closure rules, so orders may not remain open for entry throughout the entire window.

11. Is Muhurat Trading real or fake?

Muhurat Trading is a real trading session that the NSE and BSE conduct every Diwali. Investors can buy and sell shares at regular market prices, and the same trading rules apply. While many consider the occasion auspicious, trading during this session does not guarantee profits.

Disclaimer: Muhurat Trading is a legitimate exchange session, but its cultural significance does not guarantee positive market returns.

12. Can I buy mutual funds during Muhurat Trading?

Mutual funds do not trade on stock exchanges like shares. You can submit a mutual fund purchase request through platforms that accept orders on holidays, but the fund house will generally process it on the next business day. However, you can trade mutual fund ETFs during the Muhurat session if the exchange allows trading in those securities.

13. Do I need a demat account for Muhurat Trading?

Yes, you generally need a demat account and a trading account to buy or sell shares during Muhurat Trading. The demat account holds your shares electronically, while the trading account allows you to place buy and sell orders.

14. Does the Muhurat Trading session include commodities (MCX)?

Yes, the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will hold Muhurat Trading on Sunday, 8th November 2026, from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST. Traders can trade eligible commodity contracts, including gold, silver and other commodities. The special session starts at 2:05 PM, and the client code modification window remains open until 3:45 PM.

Disclaimer: Commodity trading involves market risks. Contract availability, trading timings and order restrictions depend on MCX rules and broker policies. Verify the latest exchange circular before trading.


Aishika Banerjee
Latest posts by Aishika Banerjee (see all)

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