Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026: Date, Time, NSE-BSE Schedule and Market Holidays
Diwali is an important occasion for Indian businesses and financial markets. Every year, the stock exchanges observe a special trading session known as Muhurat Trading on the occasion of Diwali Laxmi Pujan. This session follows a separate schedule instead of the regular weekday market timings.
In 2026, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE will conduct Muhurat Trading on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The equity market’s continuous trading session will run from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, the equity derivatives session will continue until 3:40 PM on NSE.
This article explains the Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026 date, NSE and BSE timings, different market sessions and the remaining stock market holidays in 2026. It also explains why this special session matters and how it differs from a regular trading day.
Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026: Date and Time
NSE and BSE have scheduled the special Muhurat Trading session for Sunday, 8 November 2026, on the occasion of Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
Unlike a normal trading day, the exchanges will operate during a shorter afternoon session. Therefore, readers should not confuse these timings with the regular equity market schedule of 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Here are the key details:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Diwali Laxmi Pujan |
| Date | 8 November 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Equity pre-open session | 2:05 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Equity continuous trading | 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM |
| NSE equity F&O session | 2:20 PM – 3:40 PM |
| Time zone | Indian Standard Time (IST) |
The exchanges have issued separate circulars for different market segments. As a result, the closing time can vary between equity and derivatives trading.
NSE and BSE Muhurat Trading 2026: Session Timings
The special session includes multiple stages. These stages allow exchanges to collect orders, discover prices and conduct regular trading within the announced window.
1. Equity Market Timings
The equity cash market will open its pre-open process at 2:05 PM. Continuous trading will begin at 2:20 PM.
| Trading Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Block Deal Session | 1:50 PM – 2:05 PM |
| Pre-open Order Entry | 2:05 PM – 2:15 PM |
| Pre-open Matching and Buffer | 2:15 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Continuous Trading | 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Closing Auction for applicable securities | After 3:15 PM |
| Post-close session (NSE) | 3:50 PM – 4:00 PM |
The pre-open process has separate order-entry stages. During the final part of the order-entry window, the exchange applies restrictions on market orders and may close order entry randomly during the last two minutes.
Additionally, some securities follow the Closing Auction Session (CAS). Their continuous trading ends earlier than the regular equity session.
2. Equity Futures and Options Timings
The derivatives segment follows a different closing schedule.
| Particular | Time |
|---|---|
| Pre-open session | 2:05 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Normal F&O trading | 2:20 PM – 3:40 PM |
Therefore, the equity derivatives session runs 10 minutes longer than the continuous equity cash session.
However, these timings do not mean that every market segment follows the same schedule. Currency and commodity derivatives have their own exchange-specific arrangements.
Important: All times mentioned above are in IST. Readers should also check their broker’s official trading notice for any segment-specific restrictions.
What Is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a special stock market session that Indian exchanges organise on Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
The word Muhurat refers to an auspicious or favourable time. In Indian business traditions, Diwali also marks the beginning of a new financial and accounting year for many business communities.
Many businesses observe Chopda Pujan, a tradition of worshipping new account books and starting a fresh accounting cycle. Muhurat Trading connects this cultural tradition with the Indian stock market.
During this session, the exchanges open their trading systems for a limited period. Market participants can place orders and execute trades according to the exchange rules.
However, an auspicious occasion does not remove market risk. Prices can rise or fall during the session, just as they can on regular trading days.
Why Is Muhurat Trading Important?
Muhurat Trading has cultural and traditional importance in India’s financial markets.
For many market participants, the session represents a symbolic beginning to the new Samvat year. It also gives the market community an opportunity to mark Diwali through a special trading window.
Additionally, the session creates an opportunity to understand how exchanges operate outside their normal weekday schedule.
Nevertheless, the session remains a real market event. Orders can execute, prices can change and completed trades create settlement obligations.
Therefore, readers should understand the difference between the cultural significance of Muhurat Trading and the financial risks associated with market transactions.
Is the Stock Market Open on Diwali 2026?
Yes, the exchanges have scheduled a special Muhurat Trading session on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
However, this does not mean that the stock market will operate throughout the day like a regular weekday.
The exchange has announced a limited afternoon session for the occasion. Outside that special window, regular trading will not take place under the normal market schedule.
There is another important date to remember: Tuesday, 10 November 2026, which appears in the NSE holiday calendar as Diwali-Balipratipada.
Consequently, readers should distinguish between Diwali Laxmi Pujan on 8 November and Diwali-Balipratipada on 10 November.
Stock Market Holidays 2026: NSE Equity Holiday List
NSE has published its 2026 equity trading holiday calendar. The list includes exchange holidays as well as the special Diwali Muhurat Trading arrangement.
Here is the calendar of NSE equity holidays for 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 15 January 2026 | Thursday | Municipal Corporation Election – Maharashtra |
| 26 January 2026 | Monday | Republic Day |
| 3 March 2026 | Tuesday | Holi |
| 26 March 2026 | Thursday | Shri Ram Navami |
| 31 March 2026 | Tuesday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 14 April 2026 | Tuesday | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Maharashtra Day |
| 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Bakri Id |
| 26 June 2026 | Friday | Muharram |
| 14 September 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 2 October 2026 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti |
| 20 October 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| 10 November 2026 | Tuesday | Diwali-Balipratipada |
| 24 November 2026 | Tuesday | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas |
Special Sunday session: NSE has also listed 8 November 2026 as Diwali Laxmi Pujan. Although Sunday is normally a non-trading day, the exchange will conduct Muhurat Trading through a separate special session.
The holiday list above relates to the NSE equity segment. Other segments and exchanges may publish separate schedules. Always verify the relevant exchange notice before relying on a particular market holiday.
What Happens After Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading does not operate as a symbolic event without actual market transactions. Trades executed during the session create settlement obligations under the applicable exchange and clearing corporation rules.
For this reason, readers should not assume that a special trading session has different settlement principles simply because it takes place on Diwali.
The exchange and clearing corporation publish the applicable settlement arrangements. Market participants should check these notices for the relevant trade date and segment.
Additionally, brokers may communicate operational details such as order placement cut-offs, margin requirements and trading availability through their own platforms.
Regular Trading vs Muhurat Trading: What Is the Difference?
Both sessions use exchange trading systems, but their schedules are different.
| Particular | Regular Equity Trading | Muhurat Trading 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Trading days | Regular exchange working days | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Normal market timing | 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM | 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Pre-open | Normally 9:00 AM onwards | 2:05 PM onwards |
| Session type | Regular trading session | Special Diwali session |
| Trading duration | Regular market schedule | Shortened special schedule |
The main difference is the timing and occasion. Muhurat Trading follows a special schedule that the exchanges announce separately.
How Can Beginners Check Official Muhurat Trading Updates?
Beginners should rely on official exchange information instead of unverified social media messages.
Here are some useful sources:
- NSE India: Check the trading holidays page and exchange circulars.
- BSE India: Review notices related to the equity and derivatives segments.
- Broker platforms: Check official broker notifications for order placement and segment-specific instructions.
- Clearing corporation notices: Review settlement-related announcements where applicable.
These sources can help readers confirm the latest schedule and understand any changes announced by the exchanges.
Conclusion
Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026 will take place on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on the occasion of Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
The equity market’s continuous trading session will run from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM, while the equity derivatives session will continue until 3:40 PM on NSE. The special session will follow a separate schedule rather than the regular weekday market timings.
Meanwhile, Tuesday, 10 November 2026, is listed as Diwali-Balipratipada in the NSE equity holiday calendar.
Understanding these dates and session timings can help readers follow the Indian stock market calendar more accurately. Most importantly, Muhurat Trading is a cultural and market tradition, not a guarantee of positive market performance.
Disclaimer: This article is published by UNCHAEE for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, stock recommendations, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial professional where appropriate.
