Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights, signifies new beginnings and prosperity not only in our homes and temples but also on the bustling floors of Dalal Street. Each year, India’s stock exchanges celebrate this tradition by opening for a special, one-hour trading session known as Muhurat Trading. This custom is deeply rooted in ancient practices, where traders traditionally open new account books and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
The concept of Muhurat Trading was first introduced by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in 1957, and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) followed suit in 1992. This symbolic session is widely regarded as an auspicious commencement to the Hindu financial year, drawing participation from investors across the nation.
Muhurat Trading 2025 Details
In 2025, the special trading session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, which conveniently falls on the same day as Diwali’s significant Lakshmi Puja. While the markets observe a closure for regular trading on this festive day, both the NSE and BSE will open their doors for this unique one-hour window.
The stock exchanges have announced that the symbolic trading session will be conducted between 1:45 PM and 2:45 PM. Trading activities will span across various segments, including equity, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, equity futures and options, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB), all within this designated hour.
Why Does Muhurat Trading Matter?
Historically, Muhurat Trading sessions have often been linked to positive market performance, even during periods of broader economic uncertainty. This special trading hour also marks the beginning of the new Hindu calendar year, Vikram Samvat 2082, which commences with Diwali. It is widely believed that trading during this ‘Muhurat’ or auspicious time brings prosperity and financial growth to all stakeholders.
While financial experts often advise against over-interpreting short-term market movements, many investors view this session as a spiritually significant and auspicious moment to make their first investment of the new financial year. However, it’s also a reminder that sustained wealth creation relies on well-thought-out, long-term strategies rather than solely on auspicious timings.