According to official schedules, the Muhurat trading session for the capital markets (equities) will follow the timeline below :
ETMarkets.comThe NSE and BSE clarified that all trades executed during the Muhurat session will carry regular settlement obligations. This means delivery and payment duties for buyers and sellers will be executed just like any other normal trading day.
The Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX) and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will also observe the special Muhurat Trading window on October 21, 2025, with updated timings:
- MCX Pre-Open Session: 01:30 p.m. to 01:44 p.m.
- Muhurat Trading Window: 01:45 p.m. to 02:45 p.m.
During this one-hour session, all indices and commodities will be tradeable. Client code modifications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. NCDEX will operate similarly, with its own pre-trade setup from 01:30 p.m. to 01:45 p.m., followed by the trading session from 01:45 p.m. to 02:45 p.m.
Post-Diwali trading schedule
Following the Muhurat session:
- MCX will remain closed in the morning (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) but reopen for its evening session (5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.).
- NCDEX will observe a full trading holiday.
- October 23, Thursday:
Both exchanges will resume normal trading operations across all segments and time slots.
Muhurat Trading: History and significance
Muhurat Trading is an age-old Diwali tradition initiated by the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1957, and continued by the National Stock Exchange since 1992. Historically, brokers performed Chopda Pujan, a ritualistic worship of account books, during this session to mark the auspicious start of the new financial year.The session traditionally coincides with Lakshmi Pujan, where traders and investors pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity before placing trades. Beliefs around the tradition vary — Marwari traders were known to sell stocks to avoid bringing money into the home on Diwali, while Gujarati traders typically made purchases as a symbol of prosperity.
Though such beliefs may no longer hold universally, the symbolic value of Muhurat trading continues to be embraced.
What Happens During Muhurat Trading?
The trading session is divided into specific windows, including:
- Block Deal Session – Bulk transactions between two parties.
- Pre-Open Session – Price discovery before live trading.
- Normal Market Session – The main one-hour trading window.
- Call Auction Session – For illiquid securities.
- Closing Session – Market orders at the closing price.
Despite its brief duration, the session witnesses significant participation from both retail and institutional investors.
Who participates in Muhurat Trading?
- Muhurat Trading typically sees active involvement from:
- Retail investors view it as an auspicious entry point into the market.
- Experienced traders, who participate as a symbolic gesture and sometimes to lock in selective positions.
- Long-term investors use the opportunity to invest in strong fundamentals aligned with long-term financial goals.
High trading volumes and a generally bullish sentiment due to festive optimism are common features of this session.
Also read: Gold, silver or Nifty this Diwali? 35 years of data reveals the clear winner
Settlement & delivery
As highlighted by the exchanges, all trades executed in this Muhurat session will be subject to normal settlement obligations, ensuring full regulatory compliance and accountability. This means stocks bought will be delivered, and those sold must be settled, just like on any other business day.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)