October 31 or November 1? When is the stock market closed for Diwali

Indian equity markets will remain open for trading on Thursday, October 31, despite many celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali, on that day. However, the markets will observe a holiday on November 1, Friday, although they will briefly open for Muhurat Trading.

According to Hindu Calendar and Panchang, Deepawali is celebrated on Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik and media reports suggest that the Amavasya Tithi will prevail on October 31, 2024.

India's largest commodity exchange, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will also be open for trading on Thursday while remaining closed in the morning session (9 am to 5 pm) on November 1. It will resume trading in the second session between 5 pm and 11:30/11:55 pm.


Likewise, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) which is the largest agri commodity exchange in India will also be open for trading on Thursday at the usual hours. It will be closed on Friday between 9 am and 5 pm and will resume trade between 5 pm and 9 pm.

Diwali Muhurat trading

Stock exchanges NSE and BSE will conduct their annual Diwali Muhurat trading session on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, marking the beginning of the Hindu calendar year Samvat 2081.

While the market will be shut for normal trading to mark Diwali, the special trading window will be open for just one hour in the evening. NSE said that the pre-opening session will be conducted from 5:45 pm-6:00 pm.

This tradition of executing trades during the auspicious one-hour session is based on planetary positions, as it is considered favorable to start new business activities in the glow of diyas and amidst the vibrant colors of rangoli patterns.

Historically, investors have seen positive returns, with the BSE Sensex closing higher in 13 of the last 17 special sessions.

As per the BSE holiday calendar, trading holidays have been announced on 14 days in 2024. Next, they will remain closed on November 15, Friday on account of Gurunanak Jayanti and on December 25 for Christmas.

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