As India gears up for Diwali celebrations, investors are paying close attention to trading schedules on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Here’s a clear breakdown of when the markets are open, when they’re closed, and what special sessions investors can expect during this festive week.
Trading Status: What’s Happening Today (October 20, 2025)
The Indian stock market is open for normal trading today, Monday, October 20, 2025. Both the NSE and BSE are conducting regular equity and derivative trading sessions.
That means investors can carry out normal transactions in equities, futures, and options, with standard pre-open, continuous trading, and closing sessions running as usual.
However, the schedule shifts dramatically starting tomorrow, with holidays and a special Diwali trading ritual.
Diwali 2025 Holiday and Muhurat Trading Schedule
The stock exchanges follow a pre-declared trading holiday calendar, and Diwali week brings a mix of closures and symbolic sessions.
Here’s the official schedule based on announcements from NSE, BSE, and MCX:
| Date | Day | Market Status | Occasion / Session | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2025 | Monday | Open (Normal Trading) | Regular session | 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM |
| October 21, 2025 | Tuesday | Closed (Holiday) | Diwali – Laxmi Pujan | — |
| October 21, 2025 | Tuesday | Special Session | Muhurat Trading | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM |
| October 22, 2025 | Wednesday | Closed (Holiday) | Diwali Balipratipada | — |
| October 23, 2025 | Thursday | Open (Normal Trading Resumes) | Regular session | 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM |
(Source: NSE Holiday Calendar 2025, BSE Exchange Bulletin)
What Is Muhurat Trading and Why It’s Important
Muhurat Trading is a one-hour special trading window that takes place every Diwali during the Laxmi Pujan festival.
The session is considered auspicious and marks the start of the Hindu financial new year — Samvat 2082.
Historically, the session is seen as symbolic rather than speculative. Many investors — both retail and institutional — make small, “lucky” trades or start new portfolios as a sign of prosperity.
“Muhurat trading isn’t about profit. It’s about sentiment and symbolism — a way to start the new year on a positive note,” said a senior broker from Mumbai’s Dalal Street.
Why the Market Is Closed on October 21 and 22
The stock markets observe a two-day festive break in line with national holidays and religious significance:
- October 21 (Diwali – Laxmi Pujan): A major festival day celebrating wealth, prosperity, and renewal. Regular market trading remains suspended, except for the one-hour Muhurat session.
- October 22 (Balipratipada): The day after Diwali, marking the victory of good over evil, is also a non-trading day for all equity and derivative segments.
Commodity and currency exchanges like MCX and NSE FX will follow similar schedules, pausing normal operations during these holidays.
What Investors Should Know Before the Muhurat Session
If you plan to trade during the Muhurat session (Tuesday, Oct 21), here are key pointers:
- Session Duration: 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM (single hour). Pre-open begins at 1:30 PM.
- Symbolic Trades: Many investors buy blue-chip stocks or ETFs for good luck rather than speculative gains.
- Market Sentiment: Trading volumes are lower, but positivity tends to drive indices upward.
- Settlement: Trades executed during this session are settled as part of a separate clearing cycle.
- Broker Readiness: Confirm with your broker if pre-orders or scheduled trades are supported during this special session.
Expert View: What to Expect This Diwali
Analysts believe the Muhurat session will see strong participation from retail investors, given improved liquidity in the markets and stable global cues.
Market experts expect the Sensex and Nifty to open firm during the symbolic window, driven by positive sentiment, festive momentum, and the tradition of “new year” trades.
“Diwali trading has always been more emotional than technical. Even during volatile years, investors participate to mark a sense of renewal,” said Mehul Shah, head of equity research at a Mumbai brokerage.
How Diwali Impacts Short-Term Market Movement
While the Muhurat session often ends on a positive note, the actual impact on long-term indices is minimal.
The more significant market movements usually occur after Diwali week, as global markets reopen and institutional trades resume.
However, Diwali week typically triggers a short-term liquidity dip due to low institutional participation and lighter trading volumes.
Quick Recap for Investors
| Key Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Market Open | October 20 | NSE & BSE operating normally |
| Holiday for Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) | October 21 | Market closed for regular trade |
| Muhurat Trading Session | October 21 | 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM |
| Holiday for Balipratipada | October 22 | No trading across equity & derivatives |
| Regular Trading Resumes | October 23 | Full operations restart |
What Investors Should Do
- Plan trades before or after Diwali holidays to avoid liquidity constraints.
- Use the Muhurat session for token investments or portfolio restructuring.
- Avoid speculative trades during symbolic hours — focus on quality long-term picks.
- Monitor global markets as many international indices will remain active through the Indian holiday week.
Closing Thoughts
Diwali is a time when faith and finance intersect on Dalal Street. For investors, it’s more than just a holiday — it’s a reminder that markets run on sentiment as much as numbers.
Whether you’re planning a symbolic purchase during Muhurat trading or simply pausing to reflect on your portfolio, this week offers a moment to step back and look at the bigger picture.
Markets will close for a short while, but optimism, as every trader knows, never really takes a holiday.
FAQs
Is the Indian stock market open today (October 20, 2025)?
Yes. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are operating normally on Monday, October 20, 2025. All equity, derivative, and commodity segments are following standard trading hours from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Is the stock market closed for Diwali in 2025?
Yes. The market will remain closed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for Diwali – Laxmi Pujan, and again on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, for Balipratipada. No regular trading or settlement will take place on these two days.
What is Muhurat Trading and when will it be held?
Muhurat Trading is a special one-hour session conducted every Diwali to mark the beginning of the new Hindu financial year (Samvat 2082).
This year, it will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, between 1:45 PM and 2:45 PM, with a pre-open window starting at 1:30 PM.
Can I place regular trades during Muhurat Trading?
Yes, but the session is mainly symbolic. Most investors make small, auspicious trades rather than speculative moves. All trades made during this hour are cleared in a separate settlement cycle.
Why do Indian markets hold Muhurat Trading?
It is a long-standing tradition among traders to begin the new financial year with a positive act of investment. The session is seen as a way to seek prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
Will MCX or currency markets also remain closed during Diwali?
Yes. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and currency derivatives segments follow similar holiday schedules and will remain closed during Diwali – Laxmi Pujan and Balipratipada, except for the short Muhurat Trading session in equities.
When will regular trading resume after Diwali?
Normal trading on NSE and BSE will resume on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with standard market hours (9:15 AM – 3:30 PM).
What should investors do during Diwali week?
Plan trades before or after the holidays to avoid low-liquidity periods. Use the Muhurat session for small, long-term or portfolio-rebalancing investments instead of short-term speculation.
Are stock exchanges open globally while India celebrates Diwali?
Yes. Major global exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE operate normally during Diwali week. Indian markets typically see light volumes as domestic traders take a break, while global investors continue trading abroad.
Where can I check the full 2025 stock market holiday list?
The complete list of trading holidays is published on the NSE and BSE official websites under the “Trading Holidays 2025” section. It includes national, religious, and bank-related closures for all market segments.