Every Diwali, India’s stock exchanges organise a special evening trading session called Muhurat Trading. This one-hour tradition is considered an auspicious occasion to begin new investments and welcome prosperity in the Hindu New Year. For many investors, it is more than just a market session — it represents fresh beginnings and financial optimism.
In 2026, the BSE and NSE will hold Muhurat Trading on Sunday, November 8, from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. Although regular trading will remain closed, investors will get an opportunity to participate in this special session and make symbolic investments.
Muhurat Trading: How Have Markets Performed?
Historical data suggests that Muhurat Trading has generally been positive for Indian equities. Over the last 10 years, the Nifty 50 has finished higher in eight sessions. However, gains have usually remained modest, with the index never rising more than 1% during this period. Its strongest performance came in 2022, when it advanced 0.88%.
In 2025, the special session took place on October 21, and benchmark indices ended slightly higher.
An exceptional performance occurred on October 28, 2008, during the global financial crisis. The benchmark indices gained nearly 6%, marking one of the biggest rallies recorded during a Muhurat Trading session.
Despite relatively low trading volumes, the occasion attracts retail investors, traders and institutional participants. Many investors consider it a symbolic opportunity to begin the new Samvat year with positive financial intentions.
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Samvat 2082: A Difficult Year for Indian Equities
Indian stock markets faced considerable pressure during Samvat 2082. Geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran pushed crude oil prices above $110 per barrel. Consequently, the Nifty dropped 11.3% in March.
Other challenges included rising US bond yields and a rupee trading near 96 against the US dollar. Higher inflation also influenced monetary policy, prompting the Reserve Bank of India to raise the repo rate to 5.50%.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew approximately ₹3.3 lakh crore, equivalent to nearly $35 billion. However, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided significant support by investing around ₹8.8 lakh crore.
Domestic participation remained strong, with DIIs reportedly investing a record ₹1.43 lakh crore in March. Monthly SIP contributions also reached an all-time high of ₹32,490 crore, according to Axis Direct.
Samvat 2083: What Could Shape the Market Outlook?
As the market enters Samvat 2083, brokerages see several factors that could support Indian equities.
Axis Direct highlighted India’s economic resilience, with GDP growth reaching 7.8% in Q1 FY27. It also pointed to more reasonable valuations, with forward price-to-earnings (P/E) levels around 16.5 times. Expectations of an earnings recovery in Q2 FY27 and double-digit corporate profit growth in FY27 and FY28 could provide further support.
Motilal Oswal also maintained a constructive view of the domestic economy. Government capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore, along with earlier tax and GST relief measures, could encourage consumption and investment.
Strong domestic SIP contributions have also helped the market absorb selling pressure from overseas investors.
Meanwhile, India’s primary market continues to attract attention. The proposed NSE listing and the large Jio Platforms IPO are among the developments investors are watching. More than 225 companies are reportedly preparing for potential IPOs.
Key Factors Investors Should Watch in Samvat 2083
Several domestic and global developments could influence market direction during the new Samvat year:
- RBI monetary policy: Future interest-rate decisions may affect borrowing costs and market sentiment.
- Crude oil prices: Higher oil prices could increase inflation and pressure India’s import bill.
- Foreign investor activity: FPI buying and selling may influence market liquidity and volatility.
- Corporate earnings: Profit growth will be important in determining stock valuations.
- Trade agreements: Developments in international trade relations could affect export-oriented businesses.
- Government spending: Infrastructure investment and policy decisions may support economic activity.
Muhurat Trading offers a traditional way to welcome Samvat 2083, but investors should remember that an auspicious trading session does not guarantee market gains. Investment decisions should always depend on financial goals, risk tolerance and proper research.
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