Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026: NSE Schedules Rare Afternoon Session on November 8; Check Full Schedule

The festive season is in full swing in India. From buyers to investors, everyone is looking forward to the festive rush of Diwali cheering up investor sentiment. While the market remains closed for regular trading on Diwali, the exchanges open their platforms for a brief window known as the Muhurat trading session.

Muhurat Trading Timings for 2026

For the upcoming festival of Diwali, the NSE has released a formal notification confirming the specific date and timings for the event.

"In continuation to circular No. NSE/COM/71784 dated December 15, 2025, a special live trading session shall be held on Sunday, November 08, 2026 on account of Muhurat trading on Diwali as per the following schedule," NSE said.

The scheduled session will take place on November 8. The Normal Market Open will officially commence at 14:20 hours and will conclude with the Normal Market Close at 15:30 hours. Following the closure of active trading, the set up cut off time for Position Limit and Collateral value will take place at 15:40 hours.

The trade modification end time is also scheduled for exactly 15:40 hours. The regulatory circular also outlined the strict clearing and operational requirements for all participants engaging in the special holiday window.

"All trades executed in this Diwali Muhurat trading session shall result in settlement obligations," Aarti Surve, Chief Manager, said.

Cultural Significance of Muhurat Trading

The session marks the official beginning of the new Hindu accounting year, which is traditionally known as Samvat. The practice holds immense cultural and financial significance for investors across the country. According to traditional beliefs, making financial investments during this auspicious astrological window invites wealth, prosperity, and good fortune for the entire year ahead.

Market participants view this specific trading session not merely as an opportunity to seek short term trading profits, but as a sacred ritual to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

Retail investors often purchase small quantities of shares in companies to hold for the long term, viewing the act as a ceremonial passing of generational wealth. Stock brokers and traditional business owners also perform customary rituals during this time to consecrate their new account books. The atmosphere is generally characterised by optimism, with the broader financial community coming together to celebrate the intersection of ancient traditions and modern capital markets.

A Historic Afternoon Session

This year also marks a highly notable departure from established market customs. After 69 years of the Muhurat Session being held strictly in the evening hours since its formal inception, the Muhurat Trading session will be held in the afternoon. Investors are eagerly looking forward to experiencing this auspicious trading window during the daytime, bringing a fresh dynamic to a beloved financial tradition.