Why are NSE and BSE Holding Muhurat Trading in the Afternoon for the First Time?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Muhurat Trading marks the beginning of the Hindu financial year, Samvat 2082.
- The trading session will take place from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., a change from the traditional evening slot.
- Both the NSE and BSE will follow this new timing.
- Commodity exchanges MCX and NCDEX will also participate in the festivities.
- Market analysts project a positive trading environment this year.
Mumbai, Oct 21 (NationPress) In a significant shift after many years, India's stock exchanges are altering the timing of one of the market’s most revered occasions — Diwali Muhurat Trading.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will hold the special trading session this afternoon from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., moving away from the traditional evening slot.
This event heralds the start of the new Hindu financial year, Samvat 2082.
Traditionally viewed as an auspicious moment that marries faith with finance, traders and investors hold that making trades during this time ensures prosperity and fortune for the upcoming year.
The trading schedule includes a pre-open session commencing at 1:30 p.m. on both the NSE and BSE, leading into the one-hour Muhurat trading session.
All trades executed during this session will adhere to standard settlement regulations, ensuring delivery and payment obligations are fulfilled just like on a typical trading day.
The commodity markets will also join in the festive trading. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will conduct special Muhurat trading sessions today.
MCX's pre-open session will run from 1:30 p.m. to 1:44 p.m., followed by trading from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Client code modifications will be permitted until 3:00 p.m. The NCDEX will follow a similar timetable, with its pre-trade session from 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., and Muhurat trading from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
According to the Diwali trading schedule, on October 22 (Wednesday), the MCX will be closed during the morning session and will reopen from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., while the NCDEX will observe a complete trading holiday.
Normal operations on both exchanges will resume on October 23 (Thursday).
Muhurat trading is a cherished Diwali tradition that commenced with the BSE in 1957 and was later embraced by the NSE in 1992.
In the past, brokers would engage in Chopda Pujan, a ritual to worship account books in hopes of blessings for wealth and success in the new year.
Market analysts are optimistic about this year's Muhurat session, predicting that indices will likely remain buoyant amidst festive enthusiasm and robust investor sentiment.