Diwali, the joyous Festival of Lights, brings with it a unique and auspicious tradition for India’s business and financial community: Muhurat Trading. This special one-hour trading session, held on Diwali evening, is a symbolic way to honor the start of the new Hindu Samvat year. It’s not just about making money; it’s about seeking blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about Muhurat Trading 2025, including its expected date, timings, and the cultural beliefs that make it so special.
Muhurat Trading is a centuries-old tradition where the Indian stock exchanges, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), open for a special one-hour session on Diwali evening. The term ‘Muhurat’ comes from the Sanskrit word for ‘auspicious time’. The session is a symbolic gesture for traders and investors, marking the beginning of the new financial year as per the Hindu calendar, known as Samvat 2082.
The tradition is rooted in the belief that trading during this auspicious time will bring wealth and prosperity throughout the year. For many, it’s a small, symbolic transaction, a way to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, into their homes and portfolios.
The Story Behind Muhurat Trading
The practice of Muhurat Trading is a testament to the strong connection between India’s culture and its financial markets. It began with traditional business communities, particularly the Marwaris and Gujaratis, who would close their old account books (Chopda Puja) and open new ones on Diwali, seeking blessings for a successful year.
This ritual of starting new ventures on an auspicious day was extended to the modern stock market. The stock exchanges adopted the tradition to allow investors to participate in this time-honored ceremony. The practice serves as a beautiful blend of ancient traditions with modern-day financial systems.
Muhurat Trading 2025: Date & Expected Timings
In 2025, Diwali is celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. The exact timings for Muhurat Trading are announced by the stock exchanges just a few days before Diwali. While the precise schedule may vary slightly, it typically takes place in the evening.
Here’s a look at the expected session timings for BSE and NSE on Diwali 2025:
| Session | Expected Time | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Block Deal Session | 5:00 PM to 5:15 PM | A separate window for large transactions, often involving institutional investors. |
| Pre-Open Session | 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM | This is where the opening price for the main session is determined. It’s a key phase for price discovery. |
| Normal Market Session | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | The main one-hour trading session where investors can buy and sell stocks. |
| Call Auction Session | 6:30 PM onwards | A session for illiquid stocks to find a price. |
| Closing Session | 7:10 PM onwards | An optional session for adjusting closing prices. |
Note: These timings are provisional. The final schedule will be confirmed by the stock exchanges.
Significance of Muhurat Trading
Muhurat Trading holds a deeper meaning beyond just a special session. It symbolizes the belief in auspicious beginnings and the power of tradition.
- Auspicious Start: It’s considered highly auspicious to buy stocks, particularly blue-chip stocks, during this session. Investors believe that a positive start will lead to prosperity for the entire year.
- Worship of Wealth: The session is seen as a way to perform a modern-day Lakshmi Puja, where the act of trading is an offering to the goddess of wealth.
- Community and Unity: The session brings together the entire financial community, from seasoned traders to new investors, in a shared celebration.
During the session, the trading volume is generally lower, and the market can be highly volatile. However, many investors make a small, token purchase, often of a single share, to mark the occasion and seek good fortune.
Important things to remember
While the festive spirit is high, it’s important to remember that Muhurat Trading is primarily a symbolic session. Seasoned investors typically advise against making major investment decisions during this brief, often volatile, period. Instead, it’s a time for:
- Symbolic Investing: Many people buy a small quantity of a stock they believe in for the long term.
- Celebrating Traditions: It’s a chance to connect with a rich cultural tradition.
- Market Observation: New investors can use the session as a low-pressure way to get a feel for how the stock market works.
Muhurat Trading is a beautiful festival that links India’s rich heritage with its vibrant financial future. As the new Samvat year begins, it’s a reminder that success is a blend of wise decisions and good fortune.
Wishing you a bright and prosperous investing year ahead!
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