Muhurat Trading 2025: Why BSE and NSE Shifted the Special Session to the Afternoon This Year

A major change has been made to this year's Muhurat Trading session which is the Diwali ritual of one-hour stock market trading. The session this year will be held during the day and not in the evening like in the past. The main trading session has been arranged by BSE and NSE for 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM on Tuesday, October 21, which is the starting day of Samvat 2082, the new Hindu financial year.

The pre-open session for trading will be available from 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM and then the closing session will be between 2:55 PM and 3:05 PM.

A Change Rooted in Convenience and Inclusivity

Brokerage firm SAMCO Securities highlighted four key reasons behind this unprecedented timing shift — the first in several decades — explaining that the move was designed to make the session more accessible and operationally smoother.

1. Operational and Regulatory Ease

Conducting the session in the afternoon helps streamline exchange operations and reduces logistical challenges. It also aligns the special Muhurat session more closely with regular trading systems, settlements, and backend processes.

2. Investor Convenience

The afternoon schedule allows investors and traders to participate without conflicting with Diwali rituals and family celebrations, which typically take place in the evening. This could lead to higher overall participation from retail and institutional investors alike.

3. Global Market Alignment

By advancing the session, Indian exchanges aim to encourage participation from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and non-resident Indians (NRIs). The new schedule better overlaps with global market hours in regions such as Europe and the US, making it easier for overseas investors to join in.

4. Astrological Considerations

According to SAMCO, the revised timing may also align more closely with auspicious muhurats identified in astrological calendars, which play a symbolic role in this Diwali-time trading tradition.

Implications for Market Participants

Experts note that while the new afternoon slot could enhance convenience for many investors, it might also take time for market participants accustomed to the evening tradition to adjust.

“Afternoon trading could exhibit a different liquidity profile and volatility pattern compared to previous years,” SAMCO said, adding that the change may initially bring uncertainty before becoming a new normal.

However, analysts believe the earlier timing underscores the exchanges’ commitment to modernising financial traditions while maintaining their cultural roots.

Auspicious Beginnings for Samvat 2082

As India enters Samvat 2082, optimism remains high on Dalal Street. With Sensex and Nifty hovering near all-time highs and expectations of an earnings revival supported by rate cuts and a favourable macroeconomic backdrop, traders are hoping for another prosperous year ahead.