The Tradition of Muhurat Trading
On the day of Diwali, the Indian stock markets open for a brief but special session known as Muhurat Trading. More than a trading activity, it is a ritual steeped in cultural and spiritual meaning. For decades, investors have marked the start of the Hindu New Year with this symbolic practice, believing that trades made during this hour invite prosperity and good fortune. Families perform Lakshmi Puja, light diyas, and then place trades to align their financial journey with the blessings of the Goddess of Wealth.
The origins of this tradition lie in the customs of Gujarati and Marwari trading communities, where Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial year. In earlier times, account books were closed, “Chopda Pujan” was performed, and fresh ledgers were opened. When exchanges began formalizing the practice, Muhurat Trading became an annual event that blended ritual with the rhythm of the markets.
Muhurat Trading 2025 – What’s Different This Year
This year’s session will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and it brings with it a significant change. For the first time in decades, Muhurat Trading will take place in the afternoon instead of the traditional evening slot. The markets will open for the special session from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM.
The shift, while unexpected, is designed to offer operational convenience to exchanges and brokers, ensuring smoother settlement and back-office processes. Yet, despite the change in timing, the symbolism of Muhurat Trading remains intact: it is still the hour that marks the beginning of Samvat 2082, the new year in the Hindu calendar.
NSE Schedule for Muhurat Trading 2025
This year’s session will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and it brings with it a significant change. For the first time in decades, Muhurat Trading will take place in the afternoon instead of the traditional evening slot. The markets will open for the special session from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM.
The shift, while unexpected, is designed to offer operational convenience to exchanges and brokers, ensuring smoother settlement and back-office processes. Yet, despite the change in timing, the symbolism of Muhurat Trading remains intact: it is still the hour that marks the beginning of Samvat 2082, the new year in the Hindu calendar.
NSE Schedule for Muhurat Trading 2025
Capital Market Segment
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Block Deal Session | 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Pre-open Session | 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM |
| Normal Market | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Special Pre-open (IPO & relisted) | 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM |
| Normal Market (for special pre-open) | 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Call Auction (illiquid stocks) | 1:50 PM – 2:35 PM |
| Closing Session | 2:55 PM – 3:05 PM |
| Trade Modification Cut-off | 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM |
Futures & Options Segment
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Normal Market | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Trade Modification Cut-off | 2:55 PM |
The Spirit Behind the Session
Over the years, Muhurat Trading has become a symbolic act of optimism. Many investors choose to purchase shares during this time as a token of good luck, often holding them as a long-term blessing in their portfolio. Traders, on the other hand, view it as an opportunity to participate in a vibrant, sentiment-driven session that often witnesses lively activity despite its brevity.
The shorter window does mean that volumes can be concentrated, leading to quick movements in prices. However, the focus for most participants is not on immediate gains, but on making a positive and symbolic start to the financial year.
A New Beginning for Samvat 2082
As India steps into Samvat 2082, Muhurat Trading 2025 stands as an enduring reminder of how culture and commerce intertwine. This year, though the session will unfold under the afternoon sun rather than evening lights, the essence of the tradition remains unchanged. It continues to be a moment of collective optimism, faith, and renewal for investors across the country.
On October 21, light your diya, complete your prayers, and take part in this auspicious tradition. Muhurat Trading is not just about markets opening for an hour; it is about opening doors to hope, prosperity, and success in the year to come.
