Quick answer: Muhurat Trading 2026 is a special one-hour stock market session on Sunday, 8 November 2026 (Diwali Laxmi Pujan). NSE and BSE run normal trading from 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm IST. Trades are real and settle like any other day, so the usual market risks apply.
Every Diwali, Indian stock exchanges open for a short evening or afternoon session to mark the start of the new Samvat year. Many families buy a few shares as a symbolic, auspicious start. That is fine, as long as you treat it as investing, not as a lucky ticket.
What is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat Trading is a symbolic trading session held on Diwali to mark the Hindu new financial year. In 2026 it also marks the start of Vikram Samvat 2083. BSE started the tradition in 1957, and NSE followed in 1992.
When is Muhurat Trading in 2026?
| Detail | Muhurat Trading 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Occasion | Diwali Laxmi Pujan |
| Exchanges | NSE and BSE |
| Normal trading | 2:20 pm – 3:30 pm IST |
| Settlement | Same as a regular trading day |
Pre-open and closing sessions run just before and after this window. Check your broker’s app for the exact segment timings, because they are listed in the exchange circulars.
Is Muhurat Trading a good time to invest?
It is a good time to start a habit, not a guaranteed time to make money. An auspicious date does not remove market risk. Volumes are usually thin and the session is short, so prices can jump around more than usual.
5 mistakes first-time investors make
1. Buying a “Diwali tip” without research
WhatsApp forwards and social videos push “Muhurat picks” every year. Before you buy, check what the company does, whether it makes a profit, and how much debt it carries.
2. Thinking Muhurat trades are only symbolic
They are real trades. Anything you buy or sell creates a settlement obligation, just like on a Monday. Intraday positions are squared off by your broker within the session.
3. Putting in too much money at once
A short, low-volume session is not the time to invest your full savings. Start with a small amount you are comfortable keeping invested for years.
4. Placing market orders in a thin market
With fewer buyers and sellers, a market order can fill at a worse price than you expect. Use a limit order so you control the maximum price you pay.
5. Ignoring costs and taxes
Brokerage, STT, exchange charges and GST apply on Muhurat trades too. If you sell within 12 months, gains on equity shares are short-term capital gains and taxed at a higher rate than long-term gains.
A simple Muhurat plan for beginners
- Open and fund your demat account before Sunday.
- Pick one or two companies, or a Nifty 50 index fund/ETF, that you would hold for 3–5 years anyway.
- Set a small budget, for example ₹1,000–₹5,000.
- Place limit orders after 2:20 pm.
- Start a monthly SIP afterwards, so Diwali becomes the beginning of a habit.
[Calculator: Compound Interest Calculator — see what ₹2,000 a month could grow to over 10 years]
Key takeaways
- Muhurat Trading 2026: Sunday, 8 November, 2:20–3:30 pm IST.
- Trades are real and settle normally.
- Use limit orders and a small budget.
- Treat it as the start of long-term investing, not a shortcut to profit.
FAQs
Is the stock market open on Sunday, 8 November 2026?
Only for the special Muhurat Trading session. Regular weekday trading resumes on Monday, 9 November.
Can I do intraday trading during Muhurat Trading?
Yes, but positions must be closed in the same short session, and volatility can be high. Beginners are better off with delivery buying.
Can I buy mutual funds during Muhurat Trading?
Mutual fund orders placed on a holiday are processed on the next business day. ETFs, which trade on the exchange, can be bought during the session.
Is Muhurat Trading profitable?
There is no guarantee. Some years markets close higher, some years lower. Your long-term returns depend on what you buy and how long you hold it.
[Related: Physical Gold vs Digital Gold vs Gold ETF]
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not investment advice. Session timings are as announced by NSE and BSE; confirm on your broker’s platform.
