Muhurat trading is the one-hour Diwali session that many families treat as the start of a new financial year. The exchanges have announced the 2026 timing; here is everything to know before you place an order.
Key takeaway: Muhurat trading is on Sunday 8 November 2026, 2:20–3:30 PM on NSE and BSE, with pre-open from 2:05 PM. Trades settle normally and are taxed like any other.
Quick answers: Muhurat trading 2026
When is Muhurat trading 2026?
Sunday, 8 November 2026 (Diwali), on both NSE and BSE.
What is the Muhurat trading time?
The main session runs 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. A pre-open session starts at 2:05 PM, with order matching just before 2:20 PM.
Which segments are open?
Equity, equity futures and options, currency and commodity derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing, as per the exchange circulars.
Do Muhurat trades settle normally?
Yes. Trades are real and settle like any other day, so obligations and margins apply. Brokerage, STT and exchange charges are charged as usual.
Is Muhurat trading profit taxed?
Yes, exactly like other trades: 20% short-term capital gains on listed shares held under 12 months, or intraday income taxed as business income.
Muhurat session schedule (8 November 2026)
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Pre-open order entry | 2:05 PM – 2:15 PM |
| Order matching / buffer | 2:15 PM – 2:20 PM |
| Normal market | 2:20 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Closing session for CAS securities | Market close for these is reported at 3:15 PM — check your broker |
Timings are from exchange circulars as reported. Your broker may set earlier cut-offs for order placement.
Why people trade on Muhurat
- Diwali marks the start of Samvat 2083 in the traditional Hindu calendar, and a token purchase is considered auspicious.
- Many investors buy one or two shares of companies they already intend to hold for years.
- Volumes are thin and the session is short, so prices can move sharply on a few orders.
Before you place an order
- Use limit orders; thin volumes make market orders risky.
- Avoid leverage and large intraday bets in a one-hour session.
- Keep enough balance: obligations settle like a normal trading day.
- If you invest business money, decide the amount in advance and record it.
Track it in DAM
DAM does not track share trades. If money moves from the business to your trading account, search Record Expense (or Pay Money to your own account) and review it in Day Book.
Keep trading money separate from the shop
Record transfers out of the business so festival-season cash flow stays clear.
Planning Diwali purchases too? See Dhanteras 2026: date, muhurat and what to buy and the live gold rate.
Sources
Content checked on 26 October 2026. Business Standard: NSE, BSE to hold Muhurat trading on 8 Nov · Upstox: Muhurat trading 2026 schedule · Kotak Neo: Muhurat trading 2026 timings · NSE circulars.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal tax, legal or financial advice. This is not investment advice. Check the NSE and BSE circulars for final timings. Verify with a registered Chartered Accountant (CA) before acting.