Is the stock market closed on Diwali? Muhurat trading session on Oct 21

The Indian stock market will remain operational on Monday, October 20, when most of the country celebrates Diwali, providing relief to investors seeking to make pre-festive trading moves.

Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have clarified that regular trading will continue throughout Monday, with closures scheduled for October 21 and 22.​

According to the official holiday calendars published by NSE and BSE, the exchanges will be closed on Tuesday, October 21, for Diwali Laxmi Pujan, and Wednesday, October 22, for Diwali Balipratipada.

This schedule reflects the regional variations in Diwali celebrations, with some parts of India observing the main festivities on October 21 rather than October 20.​

Muhurat Trading session in the afternoon

In a departure from tradition, this year's auspicious Muhurat Trading session will take place during the afternoon hours on Tuesday, October 21, from 1.45 pm to 2.45 pm.

Typically conducted in the evening between 6 pm and 7 pm, the timing shift represents a significant change in the decades-old practice.​

The Muhurat Trading session marks the beginning of Samvat 2082, the Hindu calendar year that commences on Diwali.

This one-hour window allows investors and traders to participate in ceremonial trading, which is considered highly auspicious for initiating new financial ventures and attracting prosperity throughout the year.​

The special session will include a pre-market phase from 1.30 pm to 1.45 pm, with block deal sessions beginning at 1.15 pm.

However, it is important to note that stocks purchased on Monday, October 20, cannot be sold during the Muhurat Trading hours on Tuesday due to settlement cycles.​

Complete 2025 holiday schedule

For 2025, both NSE and BSE will observe 14 trading holidays in the equity, equity derivatives, and securities lending segments.

In October alone, three holidays have been designated: October 2 for Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, October 21 for Diwali Laxmi Pujan (with Muhurat Trading), and October 22 for Diwali Balipratipada.​

Following the Diwali break, only two trading holidays remain for 2025—November 5 for Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev and December 25 for Christmas.​

This week, the Nifty 50 index gained 2 per cent while the BSE Sensex climbed 2.1 per cent since it opened on Monday.

Investors planning their Diwali trading strategies can access the complete holiday calendar on the official BSE website at bseindia.com under the 'Trading Holidays' section, or on the NSE website at nseindia.com | This story is for informational purposes only. Investors are advised to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

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