By BillCut
Last updated: 12 November 2026
The muhurat trading time for Diwali 2026 was in the afternoon of Sunday, 8 November 2026. That session has already passed. According to the NSE circular, the normal market opened at 2:20 pm after a short pre-open window that began at 2:05 pm. This post lists the timings from that circular and explains how to find the schedule for any future year. It does not suggest any stock or trade.
What was the muhurat trading time on Diwali 2026 ₹
NSE issued a circular titled “Muhurat Trading session on account of Diwali” on 19 October 2026 (circular 149/2026). You can open it here: NSE circular on the Diwali muhurat session. The capital market timings it set out are below.
| Window | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Block deal window | 1:50 pm to 2:05 pm |
| Pre-open order entry (limit and market orders) | 2:05 pm to 2:10 pm |
| Pre-open order entry (limit orders only) | 2:10 pm to 2:15 pm |
| Order matching | 2:15 pm to 2:17 pm |
| Buffer period | 2:17 pm to 2:20 pm |
| Normal market opens | 2:20 pm |
| Normal market closes (securities in the Closing Auction Session) | 3:15 pm |
| Normal market closes (other securities) | 3:30 pm |
| Closing Auction Session order entry | 3:20 pm to 3:30 pm |
| Post-close session | 3:50 pm to 4:00 pm |
For futures and options, NSE issued a separate circular (142/2026) with pre-open from 2:05 pm to 2:20 pm and continuous trading from 2:20 pm to 3:40 pm. Always read the circular for the segment you trade in.
Why is the muhurat trading time different from a normal day?
A normal weekday session follows the regular schedule. On Diwali, the exchanges hold a special live trading session at a time announced in advance. It is short and usually held on its own schedule, which is why the clock times differ from the usual day. NSE describes it only as a special live trading session. The tradition around Laxmi Pujan and the new Samvat year is general cultural knowledge, not something the circular explains.
Do trades in the muhurat session count as real trades?
Yes. NSE states that all trades executed in the Diwali muhurat trading session shall result in settlement obligations. That means money or shares are owed after the trade, as on any other day. If you buy, you need funds. If you sell, you need the shares. A special session does not make a trade symbolic.
How do I find the muhurat trading time for a future year?
The date and timings change every year because Diwali falls on a different day. Do not rely on a remembered time. Instead:
- Open the circulars section of the NSE website a few weeks before Diwali.
- Look for the circular on the muhurat session for your segment, such as capital market or futures and options.
- Read the pre-open, normal market and closing times, and note any settlement statement.
- Check the BSE website too if you trade there, since each exchange issues its own notice.
We could not confirm the BSE cash market timings for 2026 on a BSE page, so please read the BSE notice directly rather than assuming they match NSE.
How should I think about money before any special session?
Whatever the date, market money should be kept separate from money you owe. Credit card dues and loan EMIs have fixed due dates and interest that keeps running. A short session can see sharp moves, and losses are possible. Using borrowed money or money earmarked for EMIs to trade adds risk on top of existing repayments. SEBI publishes investor education material at sebi.gov.in, which is a sound place to start.
If high interest dues are taking up much of your monthly income, you may want to look at consolidating them. Our guides on breaking up multiple EMIs and why credit card EMIs can cost more explain the general ideas. Check your options with BillCut if you want to see whether a structured EMI could fit your situation. Approval and terms are not assured. If a missed EMI is a worry, read what happens when an auto debit EMI bounces.
How BillCut can help
BillCut is a balance transfer and debt reduction platform. It works with lending partners to help eligible borrowers move high interest dues, such as credit card balances and personal loan EMIs, into one structured EMI. BillCut earns from helping borrowers refinance, so it has an interest in this option. Approval and terms depend on the partner lender.
Frequently asked questions
What was the muhurat trading time in 2026 ₹
As per the NSE circular, the normal market opened at 2:20 pm on Sunday, 8 November 2026, after pre-open from 2:05 pm. It closed at 3:15 pm for Closing Auction Session securities and 3:30 pm for others.
Has the 2026 muhurat session already happened?
Based on the scheduled date of 8 November 2026, yes. We have not opened a post-session report, so we do not comment on how it went.
Is the muhurat trading time the same every year?
No. The date and timings are announced by the exchange for each Diwali. Read the current NSE or BSE circular instead of using last year’s times.
Do muhurat trades have settlement obligations?
NSE states that all trades executed in the Diwali muhurat session shall result in settlement obligations.
Are futures and options timings different?
For 2026, NSE issued a separate circular with continuous trading from 2:20 pm to 3:40 pm. Check the circular for your segment.
Where can I read the official timings?
On the circulars section of the NSE website, and the notices section of the BSE website for BSE segments.
Should I trade in the muhurat session?
This post gives no trading advice. Any trade carries risk of loss, so consider your own finances and, if needed, speak to a SEBI registered adviser.
Disclaimer: This post is general information, not investment, tax or legal advice. Timings are taken from the NSE circular as read on 12 November 2026 and may be revised by the exchange. Investing in markets involves risk, including loss of capital.
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