Samvat New Year Investing: How to Build a Diwali Portfolio That Lasts Beyond the Muhurat Trading

Key Takeaways

1. Muhurat trading is a special trading session held by the stock exchanges on Diwali to mark the beginning of a new Samvat year.
2. A festive purchase can be a good start, but a stock portfolio is built over years through regular investing and review.
3. Your goals, time horizon and risk appetite should decide what you buy, not the mood of the session.
4. Spreading your money across sectors, company sizes and asset types can help reduce the impact of a single stock falling, however, it does not eliminate market risk.
5. Reviewing your stock portfolio regularly, including around Diwali, can help you check whether it remains aligned with your goals and risk appetite.

Every Diwali, many investors log in for Muhurat trading and buy a few stocks as a token of good luck for the new year.

But what happens after the session ends? For many investors, the festive purchase sits in the demat account without a clear plan. A single trade on an auspicious evening does not make a stock portfolio. A plan does.

Through this blog, you can understand what Muhurat trading is, why it matters to investors, and how to build a portfolio for Samvat 2083 that continues to fit your goals long after Diwali.

What Is Muhurat Trading?

Muhurat trading is a special trading session conducted by NSE and BSE on Diwali. It marks the beginning of the new Samvat year, a tradition followed by many investors and business communities.

The exchanges announce the session timings through their notices each year. Check the latest NSE and BSE circulars before planning a trade, as the official notices are the reference for that year’s schedule.

Trades placed during Muhurat trading are subject to the applicable exchange and settlement rules. If you buy shares for delivery, check the relevant settlement details and your broker’s communication for the session.

The tradition is meaningful, but the session itself does not decide how your investments perform.

Why a Diwali Purchase Is Only the Start

Buying a stock during Muhurat trading is like lighting the first diya. It marks a beginning, but it is not the whole celebration.

The problem starts when the festive purchase is the only decision an investor makes all year. Without a plan, the stock portfolio may end up as a mix of random stocks bought on tips, emotion or market buzz.

A portfolio that lasts needs three things:

• A clear goal for your money
• A mix of investments suited to that goal
• Regular review and adjustment

How to Build a Stock Portfolio That Lasts Beyond the Muhurat Trading

1. Start With Your Goal

Before you place an order, ask yourself what this money is for. It could be a home down payment in seven years, your child's education, or retirement.

Your goal helps determine your time horizon. Your time horizon, financial situation and risk appetite can help you decide how much investment risk may be appropriate.

2. Know Your Risk Appetite

Stocks can rise and fall sharply over short periods. Think about how you might respond if the value of your stock portfolio fell significantly. If a sharp fall could affect your financial needs or lead you to sell in panic, review whether your investment mix matches your risk appetite and time horizon.

A plan that reflects your financial situation and comfort with losses may be easier to stick with during market fluctuations.

3. Diversify Across Sectors and Company Sizes

Putting all your money into one stock or sector can expose your portfolio to concentrated risk.

Spreading your investments across companies of different sizes and sectors, such as banking, IT, consumer goods and healthcare, can reduce reliance on any single holding or industry. However, diversification does not remove market risk or guarantee a profit.

4. Add Other Asset Types

A stock portfolio does not have to hold only individual stocks. Depending on your goals, time horizon and risk appetite, you may also consider mutual funds, ETFs, debt instruments or gold.

These investments have different features and risks. Before deciding how much to allocate to each, understand what each investment holds and how it fits into your overall financial plan. There is no single allocation that suits every investor. Here's a simple illustrative example of how an allocation can look:

These numbers are only for understanding and are not a recommendation. The right mix depends on your own goals and risk appetite

5. Invest Regularly, Not Just on Diwali

Investing regularly, rather than making a single purchase during Muhurat trading, can help you spread your purchases across different market levels. For example, you may use a mutual fund SIP or make regular stock investments based on your plan. Regular investing does not guarantee profits or prevent losses.

6. Review Every Year

Diwali can be a useful reminder to review your stock portfolio. Check whether your investments still align with your goals, whether any holding has become too large a part of your portfolio, and whether changes in your income or financial needs have affected your risk appetite.

You can also review your portfolio at other important milestones or when your circumstances change.

Common Doubts About Muhurat Trading and Long-Term Investing

Does buying during Muhurat trading bring better returns?

No. Muhurat trading is a tradition, and it does not affect how a stock performs. Returns depend on the company, the market and how long you hold the investment.

Should I buy whatever is trending during the session?

Not necessarily. Prices can move quickly during the short session. Before buying, research the stock and consider whether it fits your goals, risk appetite and stock portfolio plan. Avoid making investment decisions based only on tips or short-term market buzz.

Can I place intraday trades during Muhurat trading?

Trading options and applicable conditions depend on the exchange’s announced session arrangements and your broker’s rules. Check the latest notices before placing an intraday or delivery order. Remember that the special session is limited, and prices can fluctuate during it.

Is it fine to start investing with a small amount?

Yes. Staying regular often matters more than the starting amount.

How mastertrust Helps With Muhurat Trading and Portfolio Building

mastertrust lets you take part in Muhurat trading and invest in stocks, mutual funds and ETFs from mastertrust.co.in. Check the available facilities, order conditions and applicable charges before placing a trade.

If you are planning to invest regularly after Diwali, read about how SIP in mutual funds can boost your portfolio and the precautions to take before investing in the stock market.

Final Thoughts

Muhurat trading is a meaningful way to welcome the new Samvat year, but the real work begins after the session ends.

A stock portfolio that lasts is built on clear goals, a sensible mix of investments, regular investing and an honest yearly review. Let this Diwali be the start of a plan, not just a single trade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Muhurat trading?

Muhurat trading is a special trading session held by NSE and BSE on Diwali to mark the start of the new Samvat year. The exchanges announce the session schedule each year.

2. When is Muhurat trading held?

It is held on Diwali, whatever the day of the week. The exchanges announce the exact timing through a circular every year.

3. Do shares bought during Muhurat trading settle normally?

Shares bought for delivery are subject to the applicable exchange settlement rules. Check the exchange notice and your broker’s communication for the relevant session to confirm settlement details.

4. How many stocks should a beginner hold in a stock portfolio?

There is no fixed number. What matters is that your holdings are spread across sectors and suited to your goals and risk appetite.

5. How often should I review my stock portfolio?

Review your stock portfolio periodically, including at least once a year. You may also need to review it when your financial goals, income or circumstances change.

6. Can I take part in Muhurat trading with mastertrust?

Yes. You can place trades during the Muhurat trading session through the mastertrust platform, subject to the exchange timings and applicable rules.