Diwali Muhurat trading is a special one-hour trading session conducted on the evening of Diwali. It is considered very auspicious in Hindu calendar. For many investors, it’s a big way to start the new financial year on a high.
In this session, thousands of investors across India make token purchases, believing it invites prosperity and good luck in the coming year. Stocks and sectors often attract increased interest as investors search for ways to grow their portfolios.
Muhurat trading is a tradition that both seasoned traders and first-time investors should experience. Be aware of the session timings and prepare your trades in advance so that you are ready when the market opens. Investors planning to participate in Muhurat Trading can prepare in advance by reviewing their investment goals, researching stocks and choosing a suitable stock trading platform.
Muhurat Trading 2026 Date and Time
As per the NSE circular, Muhurat trading in 2026 will take place on Sunday, November 8, between 2:20 PM and 3:30 PM.
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Pre-open Session Start | 2:05 PM |
| Pre-open Session End | 2:15 PM |
| Normal Market Session Start | 2:20 PM |
| Normal Market Session End | 3:30 PM |
This hour is a good time to make a symbolic investment, join in the festive spirit and bring your portfolio in line with your long-term goals. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss it.
What is Muhurat Session Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a special live session that is held during Diwali, on the occasion of Laxmi Pujan, to mark the beginning of the new Samvat. On November 8, 2026, NSE and BSE will be opening their equity markets for 70 minutes between 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM apart from the pre-open and closing auction sessions announced by the exchanges. The session is a normal trading day. Buy and sell orders can be made by investors and trades occur on the exchange as normal. The tradition around it is what sets it apart. Many investors place a small symbolic order to mark a new beginning. Some traders also perform their traditional account-book pujan on the day. Usually the volume traded is lighter than on a normal day, and prices can move quickly in either direction.
Who can participate in the Muhurat Trading?
- Long-term investors: A convenient date to initiate or add to a planned investment such as a SIP-style purchase or a core holding.
- First time investors: A small symbolic buy is an easy way to begin with investing and to learn how to place orders.
- Parents and families: Many people buy a small holding for their children as a legacy gift.
- Traditional investors: The ones who like to start the financial year with a bang.
Muhurat Trading is more of a cultural event. It is not a profit guaranty and is not for those who want to make quick money in a short session. Invest according to your goals and risk profile, not the date.
How to Execute Your First Trade During the 1-Hour Window
Just like any normal trading day, trading during this shortened session demands the same level of rigor. The settlement cycles are not impacted by the holiday schedule. The trades done in the Muhurat session will be settled as per normal T+1 rolling settlement. With the InCred Money trading app, you can access stock trading features and prepare for your trades in advance.
01 – Fund your account in advance
Deposit some capital into your trading account by Friday, to avoid potential bank outages over the weekend. Weekend IMPS/NEFT transfers may sometimes get delayed during festive rushes.
02 – Use of limit orders
The initial spike in volatility at market open means that market orders are subject to substantial slippage risk. Always use strict limit orders so you know the price your order will be filled at.
03 – Account for T+1 settlement
Shares bought on November 8 will come to your demat account by Tuesday, November 10. Intraday positions that are not squared off by session close will be auto-squared or trigger physical settlement protocols.
Conclusion
Muhurat Trading 2026 is a good chance to begin Samvat 2083 with intention. The session runs on Sunday, 8 November, from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM, with the pre-open session from 2:05 PM to 2:15 PM. It follows the same rules as a regular trading day, so the same discipline applies: fund your account in advance, use limit orders to manage volatility, and keep T+1 settlement in mind.
Whether you are a first-time investor placing a small symbolic buy or a long-term investor adding to a core holding, let your goals and risk appetite guide your decisions, not the date. Muhurat Trading is a tradition worth being part of, but it is not a shortcut to quick profits. Plan your trades early and invest with a long-term view.
If you are preparing for Muhurat Trading 2026, explore InCred Money as your stock trading platform. You can download the InCred Money app to explore its trading features or open a free Demat account to get started with stock market investing.
Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Please read all related documents carefully before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is options trading allowed in Muhurat trading?
Yes. Listed options contracts can be traded during the session just like a regular trading day. Contract rules and margin requirements will remain unchanged. Options trading is better for experienced traders – not beginners. Liquidity may be thinner and premiums can swing wildly.
Can I sell stocks during Muhurat trading?
Yes. Muhurat trading is a normal live session so you can buy and sell both. You can sell shares that are already in your demat account, or take intraday positions that have to be squared off before the session ends. But most investors use the session to make small, symbolic purchases.
Is Muhurat trading profitable?
There is no assurance of profits. The sentiment during the session has mostly remained positive in the markets but Muhurat trading is more of a cultural tradition and past trends do not predict future returns. The session is short, volumes are lighter than normal, and prices can turn quickly either way. Treat it as a symbolic start of the new Samvat, not as a short cut for quick gains and invest as per your goals and risk appetite.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not investment, tax, or legal advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks; consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before investing. InCred Money accepts no liability for losses arising from use of this content.
