Investors and traders are preparing for the annual Diwali Muhurat Trading session, a special event held by Indian stock exchanges NSE and BSE. In 2026, this auspicious trading window is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, coinciding with Diwali Laxmi Pujan.
Muhurat Trading Timings and Significance
The special Muhurat Trading session will take place from 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm IST. This hour-long trading period is considered highly auspicious by market participants, who often make token investments to kickstart their financial year, known as Vikram Samvat in the Hindu calendar. The session is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
Regular Trading and Upcoming Holidays
Following the special Sunday session, domestic equity markets will resume regular trading hours on Monday, November 9. However, investors should note that the stock exchanges will observe a holiday on Tuesday, November 10, for Diwali Balipratipada.
Beyond Diwali, the Indian markets have two more trading holidays scheduled for the calendar year 2026: November 24 for Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev, and December 25 for Christmas.
Market Outlook and Expert Insights
Market experts have expressed a constructive near-term outlook for Indian equities. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, highlighted a significant shift in institutional behavior, with Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) becoming aggressive buyers. This renewed FII interest, coupled with easing crude oil prices and improved global sentiment, has fueled a sharp weekly recovery in the Nifty index.
Ajit Mishra, SVP (Research) at Religare Broking, noted that sustained FII buying and a strengthening rupee have reinforced confidence in domestic markets. While the rally's pace warrants caution against chasing elevated prices, its sustainability will depend on continued foreign inflows, resilient corporate earnings, and stable global cues. Mishra advises participants to remain selective, favoring sectors like BFSI, pharma, realty, and services, while maintaining disciplined risk management.
Nifty Key Levels to Watch
Technically, the Nifty index has reclaimed the 25,000-mark, significantly improving its near-term setup. Experts suggest the 24,200–24,500 zone will act as crucial support, with potential for the index to extend its upward movement towards 25,200–25,600 in the upcoming sessions.
“The near-term outlook has turned constructive following the sharp weekly recovery, supported by easing crude oil prices, improving global sentiment, renewed FII buying and encouraging corporate earnings.” – Ajit Mishra, SVP (Research) at Religare Broking.