A quiet sparkle to start the new Samvat year
The Diwali 2025 Muhurat Trading session gave Indian investors a mixed but cheerful start to Samvat 2082. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex closed higher by 63 points at 84,426 while the Nifty 50 inched up 25 points to 25,868. Though the rally was modest, it carried the festive optimism of a market that continues to stand resilient against global volatility.
Trading began at 1:45 PM and ended at 2:45 PM on October 21. The session saw flashes of energy at the start as both indices jumped sharply, but momentum cooled in the second half as investors opted for cautious profit-booking.
“Investors see the Muhurat session not just as a symbolic event but as a sentiment indicator for the coming year,” said a Mumbai-based trader. “The positive close, even if small, shows confidence that the domestic story remains strong.”
A brisk start followed by consolidation
At the opening bell, the Sensex jumped more than 180 points, touching an intraday high of 84,550, while Nifty reached 25,896. The early rally reflected upbeat sentiment across energy, IT, and auto stocks. However, the excitement cooled off later as traders booked profits ahead of the next full trading week.
By the end of the hour-long session, both indices managed to stay in green, signaling that investors still prefer stability over short-term aggression. Analysts described the move as “healthy consolidation,” typical of Muhurat trading, where enthusiasm meets prudence.
A senior analyst from ICICI Direct remarked that the market’s tone was “constructive.” He said, “The short-term hesitation is natural, but the broader setup still points toward a gradual upward trajectory in Samvat 2082.”
Midcaps and smallcaps shine brighter than large caps
The real performers of the Diwali session were midcap and smallcap stocks. The BSE Midcap index gained around 0.25 percent while the Smallcap index jumped 0.9 percent. This segment attracted both retail and institutional buying, driven by strong quarterly numbers and improving earnings visibility.
Sectors like infrastructure, defence, and energy witnessed more action than banks or IT majors. Companies such as Premier Explosives, Sandur Manganese, Nesco, and Apollo Tyres recorded notable buying interest, partly due to brokerage houses highlighting them in Diwali picks.
In contrast, the Bank Nifty ended slightly lower by 0.04 percent, as heavyweights like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank saw mild selling pressure. Experts believe this short-term pause in banking could provide entry opportunities if credit growth remains strong in the coming quarter.
Top gainers and laggards
Among the Sensex stocks, Tata Motors, NTPC, Power Grid, and JSW Steel stood among the top gainers. These stocks reflected the ongoing demand recovery in industrial and infrastructure sectors. On the other side, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bharti Airtel were slightly weak, pulling down the overall sentiment in the financial pack.
Several brokerage firms had recommended selective buying during the Muhurat session, focusing on high-quality names with consistent growth outlooks. Incred Capital and Motilal Oswal, for instance, suggested stocks like Canara Bank, Nesco, and Apollo Tyres as part of their festive picks for Samvat 2082.
Sentiment and symbolism
In Indian markets, the Muhurat trading session holds emotional and cultural importance. It is not just a one-hour event but a reflection of long-term optimism. Many traders open fresh positions to mark a prosperous new year, and families even participate ceremonially with token investments known as “Shagun trades.”
The mood on Dalal Street was festive. The BSE building was lit in golden lights, echoing the spirit of Diwali. Outside, traders exchanged sweets and shared wishes for a profitable Samvat 2082. Social media also buzzed with celebratory posts, with many small investors sharing screenshots of their first symbolic trades.
A veteran broker, recalling decades of Diwali sessions, commented, “Every Muhurat Trading is a reminder that our markets run on faith as much as fundamentals. The numbers may change, but the spirit of investing remains constant.”
Key factors shaping Samvat 2082
- Earnings momentum: Q2 FY26 earnings have been encouraging, especially in midcaps and manufacturing firms. Analysts expect double-digit EPS growth for Nifty companies this fiscal.
- Inflation and policy: With inflation softening and the RBI expected to maintain a balanced stance, liquidity conditions should remain supportive.
- Global cues: Easing US-China tensions and hopes of Fed rate cuts could attract foreign inflows into Indian equities.
- Retail participation: Domestic SIPs and DII flows are at record highs, providing a strong cushion against global volatility.
Experts believe Samvat 2082 could see more stock-specific rallies rather than a one-way index surge. The focus is likely to shift toward mid-tier companies with strong balance sheets, export-linked revenue, and domestic demand themes.
Technical outlook: levels to watch
According to technical analysts, Nifty has immediate support near 25,600 and resistance around 26,200. A decisive break above 26,200 may open the door toward 26,500 levels in the coming weeks. Conversely, a close below 25,500 could trigger a short term pullback.
For Sensex, support is seen around 84,000 and resistance near 85,200. Traders are advised to stay stock specific rather than index centric in the initial weeks of Samvat 2082.
Final thoughts: calm before the next wave
The 2025 Muhurat Trading session might not have delivered fireworks, but it reflected a market that has matured with patience. Investors seem content to let momentum build organically rather than rush for instant gains. This measured approach could set a healthier foundation for the months ahead.
As the new Samvat year begins, all eyes are on how corporate earnings and global liquidity play out. If macroeconomic stability continues and domestic consumption stays robust, Indian markets might be ready for a more decisive leg of growth by early 2026.
So while the Diwali lamps fade, the hope on Dalal Street still shines bright. The year ahead may not be about big surprises but steady progress built on discipline and optimism. And that in itself is a good omen for Samvat 2082.