Muhurat Trading 2025: Why is BSE, NSE holding the special afternoon trading session this year?

Muhurat Trade 2025: The Indian stock market is set to enter Samvat 2082 with optimism that the worst is over and bulls are ready to take charge. The Sensex and the Nifty 50 are at their 52-week highs and only about 2 percent below their all-time highs. With expectations of an earnings revival, interest rate cuts in the US and India, and a favorable domestic macro backdrop, experts expect the Indian stock market to deliver healthy returns in Samvat 2082. The BSE and the NSE, like every year, conduct a special one-hour trading session called Muhurat trading on the occasion of Diwali on Tuesday, October 21, Muhur trading session will take place from Tuesday, October 21. 13:45 to 14:45, unlike the historical practice when Muhurat trading would take place in the evening, usually around 18:00 to 19:00. Why is Muhurat trading session in afternoon this year? This year the pre-open session will take place from 13:30 to 13:45 and the main talk will take place from 13:45 to 14:45. Closing session is from 14:55 to 15:05. Brokerage firm SAMCO Securities pointed out that there appear to be four main reasons why the Muhurat trading timing has shifted from the familiar evening slot to an afternoon window for the first time in many decades. 1. Operational and regulatory convenience: According to the brokerage firm, afternoon scheduling can not only reduce logistical burdens but also simplify interface with regular exchange systems, operations and settlement processes. 2. Investor Convenience: The brokerage said the afternoon hours may make participation easier for those who observe Diwali rituals later in the day. 3. Global alignment: An earlier session could make it easier for non-resident Indians (NRIs) or foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to participate, offering overlap with their time zones, the brokerage said. 4. Astrological alignment: SAMCO said the new timing could better align with auspicious muhurats based on astrological calendars. The Implications of the Change in Muhurat Trading Timing The change in the timing of special trading this year may affect market participation as investors accustomed to evening participation should plan accordingly. Some investors may be locked out if they prioritize evening rituals or commitments, SAMCO said. Moreover, a shift in timing also gives a sense of uncertainty. “Afternoon trading may see different liquidity profiles (overlapping earlier with regular sessions), and volatility may behave differently compared to previous evening windows,” the brokerage said. On the other hand, the changed timings may facilitate better engagement by NRIs in Europe and the US, who otherwise found evening India sessions inconvenient or outside their trading day. Furthermore, by moving the session earlier, exchanges can signal modernization and flexibility, balancing tradition with contemporary market operations. Read all market related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Disclaimer: This story is for educational purpose only. The opinions and recommendations expressed are those of the brokerage firm, not Mint. We advise investors to consult with certified experts before making any investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly and circumstances may vary.