As India readies for Diwali celebrations, the country’s stock markets are set for one of their most symbolic annual rituals — Muhurat Trading. The one-hour special session, marking the beginning of Samvat 2082, ushering in a new Hindu financial year marked by prosperity and optimism.
Muhurat Trading 2025: A ritualistic session
The NSE and BSE will open their floors exclusively for this ceremonial trading window, while remaining closed for regular trade on October 21 for Diwali Laxmi Pujan. Markets will also stay shut on October 22 for Balipratipada. Regular trading will happen on Monday, October 20.
Timings
This year’s Muhurat session will be held from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm, breaking from recent tradition where trading took place in the evening. Trade modifications will be allowed until 2:55 pm, with transactions permitted across equities, futures and options, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) segments.Also read: Are NSE, BSE open October 20-22? Check details
Significance
Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “auspicious hour”, Muhurat Trading marks a symbolic new beginning for investors and businesses. The tradition, observed for decades, blends faith with finance — reflecting optimism, prosperity, and the belief that investments made during this hour bring good fortune in the year ahead.Historically, Dalal Street has celebrated the occasion with gains: the BSE Sensex has closed higher in 14 of the last 18 Muhurat sessions, including a 5.86 per cent rise in 2008 amid the global financial crisis. In 2024, it extended its winning run, gaining 335 points (0.42 per cent).Though the trading window lasts just an hour and often sees high volatility due to thin volumes, investors view the session as a ritual of renewal rather than a profit-making opportunity.