NSE Announces Afternoon Muhurat Trading for Diwali 2025: A Symbolic Start to Samvat 2082 Amidst Market Volatility

Mumbai, India – The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is set to host its annual Diwali Muhurat Trading session on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, a cherished tradition that ushers in the Hindu New Year, Samvat 2082. This year, the special trading window will operate in the afternoon, a departure from its customary evening slot. The move, announced via an NSE circular dated September 22, 2025, outlines a condensed trading schedule for the auspicious day.

Revised Trading Schedule for October 21, 2025:

• Block Deal Session: 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
• Pre-open Session (for IPO & Relisted Securities): 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
• Muhurat Trading (Main Session): 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
• Closing Session: 2:55 PM – 3:05 PM
• Trade Modification Cut-off Time: 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM [Image, 5]

This one-hour trading session is deeply rooted in Indian culture, with "Muhurat" signifying an auspicious time for new beginnings. Investors and traders participate in this symbolic session to invite prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead, often making token purchases to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. The practice dates back to 1957 when the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) first adopted it, with NSE following suit in 1992.

Market Sentiment and Historical Trends Historically, Muhurat Trading sessions are characterized by positive market sentiment, though trading volumes are typically lighter than regular sessions. Despite the brief duration, the benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, have frequently closed in the green, reflecting the festive optimism. Over the last decade, the Indian markets have shown positive returns in 8 out of 10 Muhurat sessions. Analysts often observe tactical buying opportunities during this period.

However, the 2025 Muhurat session arrives amidst a backdrop of recent market volatility. Indian markets have lagged global peers this year, with foreign institutional investors (FIIs) reportedly pulling out a significant ₹1.4 lakh crore. Despite these challenges, the symbolic nature of Muhurat Trading continues to hold immense importance for investors. All trades executed during this session will carry the same settlement obligations as regular trading days.

Segments and Participation The Muhurat Trading session will encompass various segments, including equity, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, equity futures & options, and securities lending & borrowing (SLB). While retail investors are particularly active, often making small, symbolic purchases, the overall trading volume remains relatively low. Many traders and investors also perform a symbolic puja before the session to seek blessings for a prosperous year.

The shift to an afternoon schedule for Muhurat Trading in 2025 is a notable change, as it has typically been held in the evening to align with the auspicious "Pradosh Kaal" for Lakshmi Puja. Nonetheless, the essence of the tradition remains, providing a unique blend of cultural observance and financial activity for the Indian market.