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On Diwali evening, while homes are busy with diyas and Lakshmi Puja, the stock market quietly opens for one special hour. For a first-time investor, it raises a fair question: what is this hour, and should I be part of it? 

This guide explains Muhurat Trading in simple terms as a small step towards stronger women financial literacy.

What Is Muhurat Trading?

“Muhurat” means an auspicious time. Muhurat Trading is a special one-hour session held by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on the evening of Diwali, which marks the start of the new Samvat year in the Hindu calendar.

For many business families, Diwali is also the beginning of a new financial year. Just as shopkeepers open fresh account books on this day, investors place their first trades of the new year during this session.

The exchanges announce the exact date and timing every year, so check the official NSE or BSE notice a few days before Diwali.

Why Do People Trade During This Hour?

The belief is that investments made at an auspicious time bring prosperity through the year ahead. Many investors place small, symbolic trades during the session, often in shares they plan to hold for a long time.

So Muhurat Trading is more about tradition and a fresh start than quick profit. Trading volumes are usually modest, and prices can move sharply in a short window. Nobody can promise that a Muhurat trade will perform better than a trade made on any other day.

How Does It Work?

The session works much like regular trading. You‍‍‍ execute buy or sell requests by placing them via your demat and trading accounts, and these orders are filled at current market ‍‍‍prices.

A few points to note:

• The session is short, so orders are executed quickly.

• Trades are valid and settled as per exchange rules.

• The segments available depend on the exchange notice.

• Your account and broking platform must be ready in advance.

Muhurat Trading vs Regular Trading 

Muhurat Trading 2026: Date and Time

This year, NSE and BSE will hold the special session on Sunday, November 8, from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM, as stated in separate circulars from the exchanges. Although Sunday is normally a non-trading day, a special live session will take place under the announced timetable. Note that this year’s session is in the afternoon, not the evening.

Source: Business Standard

Why This Matters For Women Investors

Many women invest less than they could, often because they are unsure where to begin. 

This is where Women Financial Literacy plays an important role. When you understand your income, expenses, goals and the basics of investing, a tradition like Muhurat Trading becomes an informed first step rather than a leap of faith. 

You know why you are investing, how long you will stay invested and what risks you are accepting.

Questions naturally come up when you hear about something new like Muhurat Trading. What is a demat account? How does a trading session work? What does it mean to invest for the long term?

This is where LakshMe, a Finance Buddy for Women, can help. Its one-on-one sessions, led by women for women, are designed for doubt solving and sharing information. You can ask your questions freely, without worrying about being judged, and build your financial knowledge step by step, from the basics onwards.

LakshMe is not a financial advisor. The sessions do not offer investment advice or recommendations. They simply help you understand financial concepts better, so you feel more informed and confident about money.


Muhurat Trading is seen as a tradition that marks a fresh financial beginning. With growing women financial literacy and the support of a finance buddy for women like LakshMe, you can approach every financial decision with more clarity. 

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. This article is for educational purposes and is not investment advice.