The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has announced the date and timings for Muhurat Trading 2026. According to an exchange filing dated Monday, October 19, a special live trading session will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, on the occasion of Diwali.
This year, the special trading session will take place in the afternoon instead of the usual evening slot. The normal market session will open at 2:20 pm and close at 3:30 pm. The exchange has also announced the cut-off time for setting up position limits and collateral value, as well as the deadline for trade modifications.
Muhurat Trading 2026: Full schedule
As per the NSE filing, the schedule for the special Diwali trading session is as follows:
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Normal market opening time: 2:20 pm
- Normal market closing time: 3:30 pm
- Position limit/collateral value set-up cut-off: 3:40 pm
- Trade modification end time: 3:40 pm
The NSE said all trades executed during the Diwali Muhurat Trading session will result in settlement obligations. The exchange issued the announcement in continuation of its earlier circular dated December 15, 2025.
What is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a special stock market session held by Indian stock exchanges around Diwali. The word ‘Muhurat’ refers to an auspicious time. Many traders and investors consider this session a symbolic way to begin the new Samvat year on a positive note.
The tradition is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth and prosperity. For market participants, the session combines cultural traditions with stock market activity.
History of Muhurat Trading
The tradition of Muhurat Trading has continued for decades in India’s stock market. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) began the practice in 1957, while the NSE adopted it in 1992.
The session is generally held around Diwali and marks the beginning of the new Samvat year, the traditional Hindu accounting year followed by many traders and business communities.
Why is Muhurat Trading important?
Muhurat Trading holds cultural significance for many investors. Some use the occasion to make symbolic investments or begin their investment journey. Others use it to review their portfolios and reaffirm their long-term investment plans.
However, the auspicious nature of the session does not guarantee profits. Stock prices can move up or down depending on market conditions, and investors should make decisions based on their financial goals and risk appetite.
How has the Nifty 50 performed during Muhurat Trading?
The Nifty 50 ended higher during the Muhurat Trading sessions in each of the five years listed below.
- 2025: The Nifty 50 settled at 25,868.60, gaining 25 points or 0.10 per cent during the Muhurat Trading session on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
- 2024: The index gained 0.41 per cent to close at 24,304.35.
- 2023: The index rose 0.52 per cent to 19,525.55.
- 2022: The index gained 0.88 per cent to close at 17,730.75.
- 2021: The index rose 0.49 per cent to 17,916.80.
- 2020: The index gained 0.47 per cent to close at 12,780.25.
These figures reflect the performance of the Nifty 50 during the listed Muhurat Trading sessions.
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee similar returns in future sessions.
