Muhurat Trading 2026 takes place on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with regular trading from 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm. NSE confirmed the timings in its circular of 19 October 2026.
This year the session moves from its usual evening slot to the afternoon. If you plan to log in at 6 pm as in past years, you will miss it. Here is the full timetable, what has changed, and what to keep in mind before you place a trade.
Muhurat Trading 2026 at a glance
| Date | Sunday, 8 November 2026 (Diwali Laxmi Pujan) |
| Regular trading | 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm IST |
| Pre-open | 2:05 pm to 2:20 pm |
| Exchanges | NSE and BSE |
| Marks the start of | Samvat 2083, the Hindu accounting new year |
| Settlement | Normal. Every trade creates settlement obligations |
| Next holiday | Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (Diwali Balipratipada) |
See our stock market holidays 2026 list for every NSE and BSE closure this year.
Full NSE timetable for Muhurat Trading 2026
These timings are from NSE circular 149/2026 (NSE/CMTR/76941), dated 19 October 2026. All times are IST.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 1:50 pm to 2:05 pm | Block deal window |
| 2:05 pm to 2:10 pm | Pre-open order entry (limit and market orders) |
| 2:10 pm to 2:15 pm | Pre-open order entry (limit orders only, random close in the last 2 minutes) |
| 2:15 pm to 2:17 pm | Pre-open order matching |
| 2:17 pm to 2:20 pm | Buffer period |
| 2:20 pm to 3:15 pm | Continuous trading for closing-auction (CAS) stocks |
| 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm | Continuous trading for all other stocks |
| 3:15 pm to 3:20 pm | Reference price calculation, shift to closing auction |
| 3:20 pm to 3:30 pm | Closing auction order entry |
| 3:30 pm to 3:35 pm | Closing auction matching |
| 3:50 pm to 4:00 pm | Post-close session |
| Until 4:15 pm | Trade modification cut-off |
IPO and relisted stocks have a special pre-open from 2:05 pm to 2:50 pm. Illiquid stocks trade in a call auction from 2:25 pm to 3:10 pm.
What is different in 2026
An afternoon session, not an evening one. For decades Muhurat trading has been held in the evening. The 2026 session runs in the afternoon instead, breaking a 69-year tradition, as Outlook Money reports. Set a reminder for 2 pm, not 6 pm.
The first Muhurat session with a closing auction. NSE’s Closing Auction Session (CAS) sets the closing price of eligible stocks through a short auction at the end of the day. Business Today notes that this is the first Muhurat session since CAS was introduced. For CAS stocks, continuous trading ends at 3:15 pm, not 3:30 pm. Ask your broker which of your stocks fall under CAS, and place normal-market orders in those before 3:15 pm.
What is Muhurat trading?
Muhurat trading is a short special session that NSE and BSE hold on Diwali. “Muhurat” means an auspicious time. The session marks the start of Samvat, the traditional Hindu accounting year, which many trading families still use to open new account books.
BSE began the tradition in 1957, and NSE followed in 1992. Many investors place a small, symbolic buy on the day, often in a long-term holding, as a good-luck start to the year.
The tradition is cultural, not a market signal. If you are curious about how astrology and markets connect, read our evidence-based guide to stock market astrology and numerology.
Rules and risks to know
It is a real trading session. NSE’s circular states that all trades in the session result in settlement obligations. Your buys, sells, intraday positions and F&O trades settle exactly as on a normal day.
Volumes can be thin and prices jumpy. The session lasts about an hour, and many traders only place token orders. Thin order books can mean wider spreads and sudden spikes. Use limit orders, not market orders.
A holiday follows. The market trades normally on Monday, 9 November, then shuts on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, for Diwali Balipratipada. A position held overnight on Monday stays open through the holiday until Wednesday, 11 November.
F&O carries extra risk. SEBI’s own data shows that 91% of individual F&O traders lost money in FY25. Read our breakdown of the SEBI F&O study before trading options on Muhurat day.
How to approach Muhurat trading sensibly
- Decide before the bell. Pick your stock and quantity a day earlier, based on your own research, not on “Muhurat picks” from social media. Our investor awareness guide explains how to spot tip-based scams.
- Keep it small. A token buy honours the tradition. You do not need to trade big for the day to count.
- Use limit orders. Thin volumes make market orders risky.
- Check your broker’s app on Saturday. Make sure your login, funds and margin are ready. Compare platforms in our best stock brokers in India 2026 list.
- Stay calm. The festive mood can push you to over-trade. Our guide to trading psychology covers how to control fear and greed.
- Revisit the basics. Read our do’s and don’ts of investing before you place the order.
Frequently asked questions
When is Muhurat Trading 2026? Sunday, 8 November 2026. Regular trading runs from 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm IST, with the pre-open from 2:05 pm.
Why is Muhurat trading in the afternoon this year? NSE and BSE have set an afternoon slot for 2026. The exchanges have not given a reason in their circulars.
Is Muhurat trading on both NSE and BSE? Yes. Both exchanges hold the session at the same time.
Can I trade F&O during Muhurat trading? Usually yes, but confirm the segments with your broker before the day. Any trade you place settles like a normal day, so the usual risks apply. Learn the basics in our options strategies guide.
Is the market open on Monday after Diwali? Yes, Monday 9 November is a normal trading day. The market is closed on Tuesday, 10 November, for Diwali Balipratipada.
Is Muhurat trading lucky or profitable? It is a tradition, not a strategy. Past Muhurat sessions do not predict how the next year will go.
Learn the market before you trade it
Muhurat day is a good day to start, and a better day to start with a plan. 9AM Traders Academy teaches stocks, F&O, commodity, forex and crypto on live markets in New Delhi, in English and Hindi, with risk management taught first.
Sources
- NSE circular 149/2026: Muhurat Trading session on account of Diwali, 19 October 2026
- Business Today: Muhurat trading 2026, NSE and BSE announce Diwali timings
- Outlook Money: NSE schedules rare afternoon session on November 8
- SEBI · NSE India · BSE India
Disclaimer: This article is for education only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Trading in derivatives carries a high risk of loss. Timings are as per the NSE circular above; confirm with your broker before trading.