Muhurat Trading 2026: Date, Expected Time and Stock Market Holidays for October–December
Every Diwali, India's stock exchanges open for one special hour in the evening. It's called Muhurat Trading, and for many families it's as much a tradition as lighting diyas. In 2026, Muhurat Trading falls on Sunday, November 8, the day of Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
The festive season also brings a cluster of market holidays, including Dussehra and Diwali Balipratipada, which affect when you can trade, when IPO allotments happen and when dividends get credited. Here's a complete, practical guide.
Key Takeaways
- Muhurat Trading 2026: Sunday, November 8, for Diwali Laxmi Pujan, on both NSE and BSE.
- Exact timings haven't been announced yet; the exchanges usually notify them a few weeks before Diwali.
- Upcoming weekday market holidays: October 20 (Dussehra), November 10 (Diwali Balipratipada), November 24 (Guru Nanak Jayanti) and December 25 (Christmas).
- Trades in the Muhurat session are real trades with normal settlement obligations.
- Dhanteras falls on November 6, two days before Diwali.
When Is Muhurat Trading in 2026?
Muhurat Trading will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to the trading holiday calendar released by NSE and BSE, as reported by Outlook Money. November 8 is listed as a trading holiday for Diwali Laxmi Pujan, but the exchanges will open for the special session that evening.
It's unusual for the market to open on a Sunday. Normally, a holiday that falls on a weekend doesn't change anything because the market is already shut. Muhurat Trading is the exception, because it's tied to the Diwali date rather than the day of the week.
What Time Will Muhurat Trading Happen?
NSE and BSE haven't announced the 2026 timings yet. They typically issue a circular a few weeks before Diwali. For reference, the 2024 session had a pre-open from 5:45 pm to 6:00 pm, with normal trading from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as reported by All India Radio News. Timings vary from year to year, so wait for the official circular before planning around a specific hour.
What Is Muhurat Trading and Why Does It Exist?
"Muhurat" means an auspicious time. Diwali traditionally marks the start of a new financial year for many trading communities in India, when old account books are closed and new ones are opened. Muhurat Trading carries that tradition into the stock market. It marks the start of a new Samvat year in the Hindu calendar.
Many investors place a small, symbolic buy order during the session as a token of good fortune for the year ahead. Others simply watch. Either way, the session is short and volumes are usually thin compared with a normal day.
Things to Know Before Trading in the Muhurat Session
- It's a real session. All trades carry normal settlement obligations, so buy only what you'd be comfortable holding.
- Liquidity can be thin. With fewer participants, prices can move sharply in less-traded stocks. Limit orders help you control the price you pay.
- Intraday positions get squared off. Brokers typically close intraday trades before the session ends, just like a normal day.
- The next day matters too. Monday, November 9, is a normal trading day, but Tuesday, November 10, is a holiday for Diwali Balipratipada.
Stock Market Holidays: October to December 2026
| Date | Day | Occasion | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2, 2026 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Closed (passed) |
| October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra | Closed |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Diwali Laxmi Pujan | Muhurat Trading session only |
| November 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Diwali Balipratipada | Closed |
| November 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev | Closed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas | Closed |
Source: NSE and BSE holiday calendar for 2026, as reported by Outlook Money and Outlook Business. Commodity segment timings on some holidays differ; MCX's evening session may remain open.
Indian stock exchanges observe 15 weekday trading holidays in 2026, according to the exchange calendar.
How Market Holidays Affect Your Money
Holidays aren't just days off. They shift settlement and corporate action timelines:
- Settlement: India follows T+1 settlement, counted in working days. Shares bought on Monday, October 19 settle on Wednesday, October 21, because October 20 is a holiday.
- IPOs: IPO timetables skip holidays. That's why the HD Fire Protect IPO lists on October 21, and why the expected Jio Platforms IPO opens on October 21, right after Dussehra. Track both on the GoPocket IPO page.
- Dividend record dates: To be eligible for a dividend, you need to buy at least one trading day before the record date. Holidays push that cut-off earlier.
- SIPs: If a mutual fund SIP date falls on a market holiday, units are usually allotted at the next working day's NAV.
Diwali 2026 Calendar for Investors
- November 6 (Friday): Dhanteras, traditionally a day for buying gold. Read our gold ETF vs physical gold guide.
- November 8 (Sunday): Diwali Laxmi Pujan and Muhurat Trading.
- November 9 (Monday): Normal trading day.
- November 10 (Tuesday): Market holiday for Diwali Balipratipada.
Track the Nifty 50 index on GoPocket through the festive season.
Sources
- Outlook Money, Stock Market Holidays in 2026: NSE, BSE Will Be Closed On These Days; Check List
- Outlook Business, Stock Market Holidays 2026: Check Out Full List of NSE and BSE Trading Closures
- All India Radio News, BSE & NSE conducts muhurat trading on occasion of Diwali, November 1, 2024
Disclaimer: This article is for information and educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Session timings will be confirmed by NSE and BSE circulars; please check official notices before trading. Consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before investing.
