Diwali Muhurat Trading 2025: Key Changes and Schedule
For the first time in decades, India’s stock exchanges have shifted the timing of the symbolic Diwali Muhurat Trading session to the afternoon. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will conduct the special one-hour session between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. today, marking the beginning of the Hindu financial year Samvat 2082.
Key Takeaways
- Muhurat trading moves from evening to afternoon for the first time
- Session runs from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on October 21
- Commodity exchanges MCX and NCDEX also participating
- Normal settlement rules apply to all trades
Trading Schedule Details
Both NSE and BSE will begin with a pre-open session at 1:30 p.m., followed by the main Muhurat trading from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. All trades executed during this period will follow regular settlement procedures.
Commodity markets are joining the festive trading. MCX’s pre-open session runs from 1:30 p.m. to 1:44 p.m., with trading until 2:45 p.m. Client code modifications will be permitted until 3:00 p.m. NCDEX follows a similar pattern with pre-trade from 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and main session until 2:45 p.m.
Post-Diwali Schedule
On October 22, MCX will remain closed during morning hours and reopen from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., while NCDEX observes a complete trading holiday. Normal operations resume on both exchanges from October 23.
Historical Significance
Muhurat trading represents the fusion of faith and finance, where traders believe auspicious Diwali trades bring prosperity for the coming year. This tradition began with BSE in 1957 and was adopted by NSE in 1992. Historically, brokers performed Chopda Pujan – worshipping account books to seek blessings for wealth and success.
Market experts anticipate a positive session with indices expected to remain in green territory, fueled by festive enthusiasm and strong investor sentiment.
