Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat is in the evening, and the BSE and NSE will hold a special Muhurat trading session that afternoon from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. The exchanges will be closed on Tuesday, 10 November for Balipratipada. Here are the timings, the five-day calendar and what to know before you trade.
Diwali 2026: key dates at a glance
- Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi): Saturday, 7 November
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Sunday, 8 November
- Muhurat trading: Sunday, 8 November, 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM (equity)
- Govardhan Puja and Balipratipada: around Tuesday, 10 November; stock exchanges closed
- Bhai Dooj: 11 November in most calendars (some list 10 November)
Dates and tithi timings differ slightly between panchangs and cities, so confirm with a local panchang or your priest.
Lakshmi Puja muhurat on 8 November
- Delhi: about 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM
- Mumbai: about 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM (Pradosh Kaal about 6:02 PM to 8:34 PM)
- Kolkata: the window opens at around 5:20 PM
- Amavasya tithi: from about 11:27 AM on 8 November to about 12:31 PM on 9 November, according to one panchang; others differ by a minute or two
Muhurat trading 2026: timings
NSE and BSE announced on 19 October that the Muhurat trading session will be held on Sunday, 8 November, on the occasion of Diwali Laxmi Pujan. Here is the schedule for equities as reported:
- Trading member login: 1:15 PM to 1:50 PM
- Wholesale deal window: 1:50 PM to 2:05 PM
- Pre-open session: 2:05 PM to 2:20 PM
- Normal trading: 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM
- Periodic call auction: 2:25 PM to 3:20 PM
- Closing auction session: 3:15 PM to 3:35 PM
- Closing session (non-CAS securities): 3:30 PM to 3:50 PM
- Post-closing: 3:50 PM to 4:00 PM
Equities, equity futures and options, currency derivatives, commodity derivatives and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) are reported to be open. One source gives a slightly different closing time of 3:40 PM, so check the official NSE and BSE circulars before placing orders.
What is Muhurat trading?
Muhurat trading is a special one-hour session held on Diwali evening, traditionally seen as an auspicious time to begin the new Hindu financial year, Samvat. Many traders and families make small, symbolic purchases of shares, and some traders open new account books on this day. It is mostly a tradition: the session is short, and experts warn that it can be volatile.
Stock market holidays around Diwali
- Sunday, 8 November: regular market closed; only the Muhurat session is held
- Tuesday, 10 November: exchanges closed for Diwali Balipratipada
- Regular days: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM
Check the NSE and BSE holiday lists for any other changes. Bank closures differ by state; see our November 2026 bank holidays list.
Tips if you plan to trade on Muhurat day
- Treat it as a symbolic session, not a guaranteed profit.
- Use limit orders, as prices can move quickly in a short window.
- Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose, and avoid borrowing to buy.
- Think long term: many people buy a small amount of a company they already understand.
- Keep your broker app and bank details ready before 1:15 PM.
Lakshmi Puja basics
Clean and light up the home, set up an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light diyas, offer flowers, sweets and rice, and perform the puja during the muhurat. Read our detailed Lakshmi Puja muhurat and puja steps guide, and the gold price update before Dhanteras if you plan to buy gold.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Sunday, 8 November 2026.
What is the Muhurat trading time on Diwali 2026?
Normal trading runs from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM on Sunday, 8 November, with a pre-open session from 2:05 PM.
Is the stock market open on Diwali 2026?
Only for the special Muhurat session on 8 November. The exchanges are closed on 10 November for Balipratipada.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time in Delhi?
About 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November, according to most panchangs.
Is Muhurat trading safe?
It is a regular market session, but it is short and can be volatile. Trade only after your own research.
This page is for information only and is not investment advice.
Questions to think about
- Does buying shares on an auspicious day change how people think about risk?
- Should new investors start with small, regular investments instead of a one-day purchase?
- How can families celebrate Diwali with less pollution and noise?
- What traditions in your family do you hope to pass on?
Sources: NSE and BSE announcements of 19 October 2026 as reported by India TV News and other outlets; published panchang listings (Drik Panchang, Vedantu and others) for Delhi and Mumbai timings. Timings can change; check official circulars and a local panchang.
