The Festival of Lights – Diwali is an auspicious time according to the Hindu calendar. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Like any other religious festival, Diwali is surrounded by a plethora of beliefs, customs, and traditions. One such tradition is Muhurat trading.
Today, we will discuss this tradition and cover everything you need to know about Muhurat Trading time.
To understand Muhurat trading, let’s look at the term Muhurat. The word ‘Muhurat’ means an auspicious time. In Hindu customs, Muhurat refers to a time when planets are aligned favourably to ensure positive results.
Muhurat Trading is a familiar ritual followed by the traders in India. This is a one-hour period considered auspicious on the day of Diwali for investing in shares. The stock exchange specifies the time of Muhurat trading every year.
According to this belief, people who trade during this one hour have a better chance of earning wealth and gaining prosperity throughout the year. Typically, this period falls on the evening of Diwali, and most people prefer to buy stocks as a token of appreciation to the Goddess Lakshmi. This is unique to the Indian stock markets only.
Timings of Muhurat Trading for Capital Markets (Equities) are as follows:
Diwali Muhurat Trading Session on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 | Start Time | End Time |
Pre-open session* | 01:30 p.m. | 01:45 p.m. |
Normal market session | 01:45 p.m. | 02:45 p.m. |
* Random closure in the last one minute
Other market session timings details are as follows:
Diwali Muhurat Trading Session on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 | Start Time | End Time |
Block deal session | 01:15 p.m. | 01:30 p.m. |
Special Preopen Session ** (For IPO & Relisted security) | 01:30 p.m. | 02:15 p.m. |
Normal market open time for stocks in the special pre-open session | 02:30 p.m. | 02:45 p.m. |
Call Auction Illiquid session * | 01:50 p.m. | 02:35 p.m. |
Closing Session | 02:55 p.m. | 03:05 p.m. |
Trade Modification cut-off time | 01:45 p.m. | 03:15 p.m. |
* Random closure in the last one minute
** Random closure in the last ten minutes
All trades executed in this Diwali Muhurat trading session shall result in settlement obligations.
Source - NSE
Timings of Muhurat Trading 2025 for Futures and Options are as follows:
Diwali Muhurat Trading Session on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 |
Time |
Normal market open |
01:45 p.m. |
Normal market close |
02:45 p.m. |
Trade modification end time |
02:55 p.m. |
All trades executed in this Diwali Muhurat trading session shall result in settlement obligations.
Source - NSE
Timings of Muhurat Trading 2025 for Currency Derivatives are as follows:
Diwali Muhurat Trading Session on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 |
Time |
Normal market open |
01:45 p.m. |
Normal market close |
02:45 p.m. |
Trade modification end time |
02:55 p.m. |
All trades executed in this Diwali Muhurat trading session shall result in settlement obligations.
Source - NSE
Timings of Muhurat Trading 2025 for Commodity Derivatives are as follows:
Diwali Muhurat Trading Session on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 |
Time |
Normal market open |
01:45 p.m. |
Normal market close |
02:45 p.m. |
Set up cut-off time for Position Limit / Collateral value |
02:55 p.m. |
Trade modification end time |
02:55 p.m. |
All trades executed in this Diwali Muhurat trading session shall result in settlement obligations.
Source - NSE
Timings of Muhurat Trading 2025 for Corporate Bonds (T+1 Settlement) are as follows:
Allowed Activities |
Start Time |
End Time |
Trading, Confirmation, Modification, Cancellation |
01:45 p.m. |
02:45 p.m. |
Confirmation, Modification, Cancellation |
02:45 p.m. |
03:00 p.m. |
Modification, Cancellation |
03:00 p.m. |
03:15 p.m. |
Source - NSE
When did Muhurat Trading start?
Traditionally, stockbrokers started their new year from the day of Diwali. Hence, they would open new settlement accounts for their clients on Diwali during the auspicious time – the Muhurat.
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) initiated Muhurat Trading in 1957, and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has continued to conduct it since 1992.
The broking community would also perform Chopda Pujan or worship their books of accounts on Diwali. Many beliefs were associated with Muhurat trading.
The primary reason was that most Marwari traders/investors sold stocks during the Muhurat, as they believed that money should not enter the house on Diwali. In contrast, Gujarati traders/investors purchased shares during this period. Although there is no data to support this, in current times, it no longer holds.
Today, Muhurat trading has become more of a symbolic gesture than a cultural one because people believe the period to be auspicious. Most Hindu investors perform Lakshmi Pujan (praying to the Goddess Lakshmi) and then purchase shares in strong companies that can generate good returns in the long run.
On Diwali, both the NSE (National Stock Exchange) and the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) permit trading for a limited period. Typically, the session is divided into the following parts:
The Muhurat trading Session is a good time to buy or sell stocks, as trading volumes are high. Additionally, the market is usually bullish, as the festive spirit focused on prosperity and wealth drives people to be optimistic about the economy and the stock market. Hence, it is an ideal time for both experienced and new investors and traders to benefit from the Muhurat trading session.
For people who believe in auspicious planetary alignments, Diwali is celebrated as a festival that brings wealth and prosperity. Hence, if you have never invested in stocks, then Diwali can be a good day to begin.
Look for high-quality companies and purchase stocks with a long-term horizon that aligns with your investment plan. However, if you plan to enter the stock trading domain, it might be prudent to observe the markets during Mahurat Trading and conduct some paper trading to get a feel for the process. Markets are known to be volatile since the trading window is open for only one hour. Hence, being watchful as a new trader is recommended.
Experienced day traders can benefit from this session since most investors/traders will buy and/or sell stocks as a gesture to acknowledge the auspiciousness of the day.
The focus might not be on profitability as much as it might be on the gesture. Hence, seasoned day traders can make good profits by taking positions after careful consideration. This year has been challenging for the economy, as the pandemic has impacted businesses and livelihoods alike.
While many experts hope for a successful Muhurat trading Session in 2025, it is advisable to keep a level head and make trading decisions with a clear mind.
Here are some key aspects to consider before you start buying or selling stocks during Diwali day trading time (Muhurat Trading Timings).
Happy investing and a pleased Diwali!