Muhurat Trading 2026 will take place on 8th November 2026, on the occasion of Diwali. Diwali, the festival of lights, lasts five days and marks the triumph of light over darkness. It is also a time for new beginnings. The festival is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Many people believe it brings prosperity, good luck and her blessings.
What is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat trading is a special one-hour trading session conducted by the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange in India on the day of Diwali. Diwali marks an auspicious start to the year for people who celebrate.
During Muhurat Trading, an investor can trade in the eligible securities – shares, currency, corporate bonds, futures and options and commodity derivatives. It operates like a normal trading day except it is for a very short duration.
Muhurat Trading is still a regular market-risk activity in a special session. Stock prices can rise or fall, and there is no guarantee of positive returns simply because a trade is made on an auspicious occasion.
Muhurat Trading 2026 Date & Timings: NSE and BSE Schedule
This year, the Muhurat Trading session will be held on 8th November 2026, Sunday. The timing details of the session are as follows:
Main Sessions | Start Time (in Hrs) | End Time (in Hrs) | Remarks |
Pre-open | 14:05 | 14:10 | Order entry, Modification and Cancellation for both limit and market orders |
14:10 | 14:15* | · Order entry, order modification, order cancellation period only for limit orders. · No modification/ cancellation allowed for market orders | |
Preopen - Order Matching & trade Confirmation Period | 14:15 | 14:17 | - |
Preopen - Buffer Period | 14:17 | 14:20 | - |
Normal Market (Continuous Trading Session - CTS) Open time | 14:20 | - | - |
Normal Market close time only for Closing Auction Session (CAS) securities | - | 15:15 | - |
Reference price calculation / Transition from Closing Trading Session (CTS) to CAS | 15:15 | 15:20 | - |
CAS - Order Entry Period (*) System driven random closure in the last 2 minutes | 15:20 | 15:25 | Order entry, Modification and Cancellation for both limit and market orders. |
15:25 | 15:30* | Order entry, order modification, order cancellation period only for limit orders No modification/ cancellation allowed for market orders | |
CAS - Order Matching & trade Confirmation Period | 15:30 | 15:35 | Order matching period will start immediately after completion of order entry period. Order matching and trade confirmation |
CAS - Transition period | 15:35 | 15:50 | Transition from CAS to post closing session |
Post Close Session | 15:50 | 16:00 | - |
Normal Market Close time for Non CAS securities | - | 15:30 | - |
Other Sessions
Other Sessions | Start Time | End Time |
Block Deal Session | 13:50 | 14:05 |
Special Preopen Session (For IPO & Relisted security) (**) System driven random closure in the last ten minutes | 14:05 | 14:50** |
Normal market timings for stocks in special preopen session | 15:05 | 15:30 |
Call Auction Illiquid Session (***) System driven random closure in the last one minute | 14:25 | 15:10*** |
Trade modification cut-off time | 14:20 | 16:15 |
Muhurat Trading Timings 2026 for Corporate Bonds (T+1 Settlement)
Instrument | Start Time | End Time | Activities Allowed |
Only Corporate Bonds* | 14:05 | 15:00 | Trading, confirmation, modification and cancellation |
Only Corporate Bonds* | 15:00 | 15:30 | Confirmation, modification and cancellation |
Note:
- All trades executed during the Diwali Muhurat Trading session will be subject to settlement obligations.
- T+1 deals can be cancelled or modified until 5:00 P.M. on the settlement day, as per the current Trade Cancellation and Modification Policy.
- The CBRICS platform will not be available during the Diwali Muhurat Trading session.
- Corporate bonds are as defined under SEBI’s Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities Regulations.
Muhurat Trading Timings 2026 for Futures and Options (F&O)
Session | Start Time | End Time | Remarks
|
Pre Open – Order Entry Period | 14:05 | 14:10 | Order entry, modification and cancellation of market and limit orders |
Pre Open – Order Entry Period | 14:10 | 14:15 | Order entry, modification and cancellation only for limit orders. No modification or cancellation is allowed for market orders. System-driven random closure in the last two minutes |
Pre Open – Order Matching & Trade Confirmation Period | 14:15 | 14:17 | - |
Pre Open – Buffer Period | 14:17 | 14:20 | - |
Normal (Continuous Session CTS) | 14:20 | 15:40 | - |
Update of Stock & Index Futures Price Bands for Alignment with CAS in Equity Cash Market | 15:15 | - | - |
Trade Modification Time | 14:20 | 15:50 | - |
Muhurat Trading Timings 2026 for Commodity Derivatives
Sessions | Time |
Normal Market Open | 14:20 |
Normal Market Close | 15:30 |
History and Significance of Muhurat Trading
As a practice, Muhurat Trading was started by the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1957. It was later adopted by the National Stock Exchange in 1992. By Diwali 2026, this practice completes approximately 69 years of tradition at BSE and 34 years at NSE, respectively.
‘Muhurat’ literally translates to an auspicious or favourable time for an activity or event in Hindu tradition. Investors believe that trading during this window will bring success and prosperity, as well as blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Muhurat Trading symbolises optimism and growth for the new business year.
In the last twenty sessions (2006 to 2025), Nifty 50 closed higher in fifteen of them. The strongest session was in 2008, when the index rose 6.35%. From 2018 to 2025, the Nifty 50 consecutively closed higher.
Why Muhurat Trading Matters for Indian Investors
Muhurat Trading matter for Indian investors as it lies at the cross section of culture and financial markets. For trading and business families, traditionally, old account books were closed, and new books were opened during this period, welcoming the new year. Account books are also worshipped in a ceremony called Chopda Pujan, on the same day.
The festival of Diwali is regarded as the beginning of the new financial year by many stockbrokers and is considered a promising time to start new investments by traders. It marks an opportunity for investors to diversify and rebalance their portfolio to meet the goals of the new year.
Rather than focusing on large purchases or price arbitrage, the focus during Muhurat Trading is the symbolic gesture to participate in the market during an opportune time. Purchases made during Muhurat Trading are usually meant for the long term.
How to Participate in Muhurat Trading with YES SECURITIES
For active users who are interested in participating in the Muhurat Trading session, one can login as per the schedule and explore the eligible securities.
For individuals who want to open a Demat account online with YES SECURITIES, following is a breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official 'YES Securities' website and click on the 'open Demat Account' option.
Step 2: Enter OTP
Verify your mobile and email and enter the OTP that was sent to you. It often helps to ensure that all communications in this process are secured.
Step 3: Fill in the Demat Application Form
Now, you need to fill in the online application form by providing your personal details and financial details.
Step 4: Complete Identity Verification
Once you have done that, you have to take a scan of your PAN card and upload a live selfie for identity verification purposes.
Step 5: Provide E-signature
After that, you have to e-sign the application form and verify the e-signature using your Aadhaar card.
Step 6: Get Login Details
After your application has been approved, you will receive an email with your Demat account number and login details for trading.
(For more details read: How To Open a Demat Account)
Key Points to Remember Before You Trade in the Muhurat Session
- Set a financial goal before investing: Investing only because many people are investing or because Muhurat Trading is considered an auspicious time to invest is not advised. It is important to identify whether the goal is long term, medium term or short term. The horizon and purpose of investment should back the decision to invest.
- Research before buying a stock: Taking a comprehensive view of the company, its operations and financial performance, before buying its shares is important. Also, compareit with peers to understand its market position and valuation in the industry. Identifying whether their business strategy resonates with your goals and financial forecast is essential.
- Avoid impulsive buying: It’s important to separate oneself from the festive spirit and enthusiasm to make prudent choices during the trading session. Buying from a well-researched and practical mindset is better than buying a stock purely because it is popular.
- Think beyond the trading session: Ensure adequate funds are parked for the near term and emergencies. Avoid borrowing money for the purpose of investing. Investing decisions have long term implications. It is essential to consider the risks before investing.
- Understand the order before placing it: Check the stock name, quantity, price and order type carefully. A market order may execute at a different price from the last traded price, particularly in a volatile or thinly traded market. Review applicable brokerage, taxes and other charges.
Conclusion
Muhurat Trading, while symbolically significant for investors, still carries the risks of regular market trading. Market movements remain unpredictable and participation does not guarantee profits. Whether you are an experienced trader or a beginner, understanding the session timings, planning your trades and being mindful of risks can help you participate more confidently.
Ultimately, Muhurat Trading is an opportunity to welcome the new Samvaat with informed decisions and a disciplined approach to investing.
