Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 8: Indian stock markets will conduct a special trading session on Sunday to mark Diwali, with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opening for the traditional Muhurat trading.

The special session will run from 2.20 pm to 3.30 pm, while a 15-minute pre-opening session will be held from 2.05 pm to 2.20 pm, according to circulars issued by the exchanges. Although regular trading will remain suspended for the festival, the special window will allow investors to buy and sell shares.

Unlike regular trading days, when equity markets operate from 9.15 am to 3.30 pm, Muhurat trading is conducted for a shorter period. Trading will be available across several segments, including equities, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, equity futures and options, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB).

Trading members will be permitted to log in between 1.15 pm and 1.50 pm, followed by the block deal window from 1.50 pm to 2.05 pm. The pre-opening session will take place from 2.05 pm to 2.20 pm, before continuous trading begins at 2.20 pm.

The periodic call auction session is scheduled from 2.25 pm to 3.20 pm. Closing auction activities will take place between 3.15 pm and 3.35 pm, while the closing session for non-CAS securities will run from 3.30 pm to 3.50 pm. The closing buffer period for CAS securities is scheduled from 3.35 pm to 3.50 pm, followed by the post-closing session from 3.50 pm to 4 pm.

Muhurat trading is a long-standing tradition in the Indian stock market and is considered an auspicious occasion for investors. The session coincides with Diwali Laxmi Pujan and marks the beginning of the new Hindu accounting year, Samvat 2083.

Investors traditionally make token purchases during the auspicious hour in the belief that trading at this time will bring prosperity and financial growth in the year ahead.