Last checked: November 5, 2026
Diwali is a time for family, lights and new beginnings. For many Indian investors, it also brings a special stock-market session called Muhurat Trading. People often place a small trade during this session as a way to mark the start of a new financial year. But the session is still a real market. Prices can rise or fall, and every completed trade has a financial and settlement effect.
The 2026 session will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, on the occasion of Diwali Laxmi Pujan. The timing is different from the normal weekday market. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has published Circular NSE/CMTR/76941 dated October 19, 2026. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) has also published its schedule in Circular MCX/TRD/590/2026.
This guide explains the official timings, what happens during each stage, how equity and commodity sessions differ, what investors should check before placing an order, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Quick summary: Muhurat Trading 2026 date and time
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Occasion: Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
- NSE equity pre-open: Starts at 2:05 PM IST.
- NSE regular continuous trading: Starts at 2:20 PM IST. The normal market close for non-CAS securities is 3:30 PM.
- NSE closing auction: The order-entry stage starts at 3:20 PM, followed by matching and confirmation. Some securities have a different close time.
- MCX commodity trading: 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM IST.
- MCX special session: 2:05 PM to 2:19 PM.
These are exchange-published timings. Your broker may set an earlier cut-off for order placement, modification or cancellation. Check the broker app before the session begins.
1. What is Muhurat Trading?
Muhurat means an auspicious time. Muhurat Trading is a special stock-market session held around Diwali. Many investors see it as a symbolic way to begin the new Samvat year. Some people buy shares, ETFs or commodities during the session as part of a family tradition.
The tradition does not change how the market works. A share bought during Muhurat Trading is a real investment. Its price can go down after the session. The exchange still matches orders, records trades and applies the normal market and settlement rules that are relevant to that product.
You do not have to trade during Muhurat Trading. Watching the market or spending time with family is also fine. Do not invest just because you feel you must place an order for good luck.
2. Muhurat Trading 2026 date and NSE timings
The NSE has confirmed that its special Diwali session will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The main timings are shown below in Indian Standard Time.
| NSE session stage | Time | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-open: order entry | 2:05 PM to 2:10 PM | Investors and brokers can enter, change or cancel limit and market orders. |
| Pre-open: limited order changes | 2:10 PM to 2:15 PM | Only limit orders can be entered or changed. Market orders cannot be changed or cancelled during this part. |
| Order matching | 2:15 PM to 2:17 PM | The exchange matches orders and confirms trades for the pre-open stage. |
| Buffer period | 2:17 PM to 2:20 PM | The system moves from pre-open to the main session. |
| Continuous trading | 2:20 PM onward | The main live trading session begins. |
| Normal close for non-CAS securities | 3:30 PM | Trading ends for securities that do not use the closing auction session. |
| Closing auction order entry | 3:20 PM to 3:30 PM | Orders can be entered for securities covered by the closing auction process. The last two minutes may close randomly. |
| Closing auction matching | 3:30 PM to 3:35 PM | The exchange matches closing-auction orders. |
| Post-close session | 3:50 PM to 4:00 PM | The post-close session takes place under exchange rules. |
The full schedule contains additional steps for block deals, special pre-open securities and other market processes. The table above is a simple guide to the main equity timings. Read the original NSE circular for all details.
Important: Do not assume that every stock has the same final order cut-off. The NSE circular has special rules for securities that use the closing auction session. Your broker may also stop accepting orders before the exchange cut-off.
3. MCX Muhurat Trading 2026: gold, silver and commodity timings
MCX has a separate schedule for commodity contracts. Its Circular MCX/TRD/590/2026, dated October 19, 2026, gives the following timings:
| MCX session | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Special session | 2:05 PM to 2:19 PM | Pre-trading process for the special session. |
| Trading session | 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM | Trading in the eligible commodity and index contracts. |
| Client code modification | 2:20 PM to 3:45 PM | Permitted client-code changes under MCX rules. |
Gold and silver futures are not the same as buying jewellery from a shop. A futures contract has a set contract size, expiry date, margin rules and settlement method. Prices can move quickly, and leverage can increase both gains and losses.
Before trading a commodity contract, check the contract month, lot size, margin, expiry, delivery terms and the risk of holding it near expiry. Do not treat a futures trade as a simple gold purchase.
4. What about BSE and other market segments?
BSE also announces its special-session arrangements through its own circulars. Do not assume that a broker’s summary or an older article gives the final timings for every exchange and product. Check the relevant BSE notice and the broker screen before placing an order on BSE.
Equity shares, equity futures and options, currency derivatives and commodity contracts can have different session details. The NSE circular cited in this article is for the capital-market segment. The MCX circular is for commodity trading. Always use the notice for the exchange and product you plan to trade.
5. Is Muhurat Trading a good time to buy shares?
Some investors buy shares during Muhurat Trading because it is a long-standing Diwali custom. Others use the session to make a small investment or review their portfolio. There is no rule that share prices must rise during this session.
Market prices still depend on buyers, sellers, company news, earnings, interest rates and wider market conditions. A stock that rises on Diwali can fall the next day. A stock that falls during the special session may later recover, but there is no guarantee.
Do not buy a company only because its name is popular or because someone says it will bring luck. Learn what the company does, how it earns money, what risks it faces and whether the price makes sense for you.
6. A simple way to place an order
- Open your broker app early. Check that your account is active and that the app shows the special session.
- Choose the correct market. Check whether you are placing an NSE, BSE or MCX order.
- Search for the right symbol or contract. Read the company name, exchange, expiry and product type carefully.
- Check the quantity and price. Use a limit order if you want to set the maximum price you are willing to pay. A limit order may not get filled.
- Review the total amount. Check available funds, margin and the charges that may apply.
- Confirm the order status. An order that is placed is not always an order that has been executed.
- Save the contract note. Check the trade details and settlement information from your broker.
7. Common mistakes to avoid
- Using old timings: Some older articles show evening sessions from past years. The 2026 NSE session begins in the afternoon.
- Waiting until the last minute: Broker apps can be busy. The broker may stop order entry earlier than the exchange cut-off.
- Confusing market and limit orders: They work in different ways, and the exchange circular sets different rules for some pre-open periods.
- Buying without checking the company: A festive session does not make a weak business a good investment.
- Ignoring costs: Brokerage, taxes, exchange charges and other fees can affect your final result.
- Using too much margin: Leveraged positions can create large losses from small price moves.
- Assuming every order will execute: A limit order may remain unfilled if the market does not reach your price.
8. What happens after the trade?
Every completed trade creates a settlement obligation. If you buy shares, you must pay the amount due and the shares are credited according to the exchange settlement process. If you trade futures or options, the contract has its own margin, mark-to-market and expiry rules.
Do not rely on a general article for the exact date when shares or funds will be credited. Check the settlement date on your contract note and broker statement. Holidays and special sessions can affect the calendar.
The NSE holiday page lists Tuesday, November 10, 2026 as a market holiday for Diwali-Balipratipada. Since the special Muhurat session is on Sunday, November 8, confirm settlement information with your broker rather than guessing from the normal weekday calendar.
9. Muhurat Trading and mutual funds
Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds work differently. A mutual fund order is processed under the fund’s cut-off time and applicable NAV rules. A mutual fund’s office or bank may not process an ordinary order in the same way as an exchange-traded share order on a Sunday.
An ETF trades on the stock exchange during the session, like a share. Its market price can be different from the value of the assets it holds. Before buying an ETF, check its index, price, trading volume, expense ratio and tracking difference.
Do not assume that a mutual fund order placed on Sunday will receive the same day’s NAV. Read the fund house’s current cut-off rules.
10. Frequently asked questions
What is the date of Muhurat Trading 2026?
Muhurat Trading 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, on Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
What time does NSE Muhurat Trading start?
The NSE equity pre-open begins at 2:05 PM IST. The continuous trading session begins at 2:20 PM IST. The normal close for non-CAS securities is 3:30 PM.
What are the MCX Muhurat Trading timings?
MCX lists a special session from 2:05 PM to 2:19 PM and a trading session from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. The client-code modification session runs until 3:45 PM.
Is Muhurat Trading compulsory?
No. It is a special market session, but investors do not have to place a trade. You can choose not to participate.
Are trades during Muhurat Trading real?
Yes. Completed trades are real transactions and create settlement obligations. They are not practice trades.
Do share prices always rise during Muhurat Trading?
No. Prices can rise or fall. The session is a tradition, not a guarantee of profit.
Can a beginner trade during the session?
A beginner can place an order if the account and product allow it, but should understand the risks first. A small delivery trade is easier to understand than a leveraged futures or options trade.
Will the market be open on Tuesday, November 10, 2026?
The NSE holiday calendar lists November 10, 2026 as Diwali-Balipratipada. Check the latest exchange calendar and your broker’s notice before planning a trade.
Can I buy a Gold ETF during Muhurat Trading?
You may be able to trade a listed Gold ETF if it is available on your exchange and the broker accepts orders during the session. An ETF is a market-traded security. It is not the same as buying physical jewellery or a gold futures contract.
Conclusion
Muhurat Trading 2026 will take place on Sunday, November 8. The NSE equity pre-open begins at 2:05 PM, and the continuous session starts at 2:20 PM. MCX has its own special-session and commodity-trading timings. Both schedules are published in official exchange circulars.
Before placing an order, check the correct exchange, product, timing, quantity, price and charges. Remember that every completed trade is real and that prices can move in either direction. Use Muhurat Trading as a tradition if you wish, but make investment decisions with research rather than emotion.
Official sources
- NSE Circular NSE/CMTR/76941, October 19, 2026
- NSE trading holidays and market timings
- MCX official circular list: Circular 590/2026
- MCX Circular MCX/TRD/590/2026 text
- BSE notices and circulars
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell a security or commodity. Exchange timings, broker cut-offs, fees and settlement rules can change. Check the latest exchange circular and your broker’s notice before placing an order. Trading in shares, futures, options and commodities involves risk, including the loss of invested money.
