A New Samvat, A New Beginning for Investors
As Diwali lights up Indian homes, it also illuminates Dalal Street. The Muhurat trading session, a one-hour symbolic start to the new Samvat year, carries with it centuries of cultural belief and decades of market tradition.
This year, the Muhurat trading 2025 session will take place on October 21, between 1:45 PM and 2:45 PM, marking the beginning of Samvat 2082.
Despite a challenging previous year — with Sensex and Nifty both shedding over 1% in Samvat 2081 — optimism is quietly returning to the Indian markets. Tariff uncertainties, weak earnings, and global tensions had cast a shadow, but analysts now believe the clouds may be parting.
Kotak Securities’ Take: A Cautiously Bullish Outlook
Domestic brokerage Kotak Securities expects stabilizing corporate earnings and a resilient macro environment to lend support to the markets this year.
According to their projections:
- FY27 earnings are expected to grow 17.6% to ₹1,297,
- FY28 earnings by 14.3% to ₹1,487.
However, rich valuations and global headwinds could act as a ceiling, keeping expectations realistic. In simple terms — the floor looks solid, but the roof may stay low.
Amid this backdrop, Kotak has curated seven stock ideas for Samvat 2082, blending blue-chip reliability with growth potential.
🔹 1. Adani Ports — Target ₹1,900
Adani Ports and SEZ remains one of India’s strongest infrastructure plays. Kotak expects robust volume growth across two-thirds of its port portfolio, particularly on the East Coast.
Container volumes are expected to dominate, backed by aggressive capex and operational efficiency.
By FY29, revenue could reach ₹11,400 crore, with an estimated EBITDA of ₹2,800 crore.
Why it matters: With India emerging as a manufacturing and export hub, logistics infrastructure players like Adani Ports could be long-term beneficiaries.
🔹 2. Acutaas Chemical — Target ₹1,780
A rising star in pharma intermediates and specialty chemicals, Acutaas Chemical has delivered strong margin expansion driven by process improvements and a favorable product mix.
Three CDMO projects are in the pipeline, expected to contribute from Q4 FY26 onwards.
Why it matters: With global supply chains shifting and India gaining traction in the specialty chemical segment, Acutaas is well-positioned for double-digit revenue growth.
🔹 3. Cummins India (KKC) — Target ₹4,400
Cummins has diversified its offerings and penetrated new industrial markets in FY25.
The company is expected to maintain a 20%+ margin profile and deliver 14–15% CAGR growth in revenue, EBITDA, and profit between FY26–28.
Why it matters: As India accelerates infrastructure and manufacturing expansion, demand for industrial engines and backup power solutions will stay strong.
🔹 4. Eternal — Target ₹375
Kotak’s inclusion of Eternal reflects confidence in the new-age digital and delivery ecosystem.
The firm expects Blinkit’s take rate to expand, driving operating leverage and EBITDA breakeven by H2FY26.
A massive 83% CAGR in consolidated revenue is projected between FY25–28.
Why it matters: Eternal symbolizes India’s growing appetite for tech-driven platforms and efficiency-led business models.
🔹 5. ICICI Bank — Target ₹1,700
ICICI Bank continues to set benchmarks in asset quality and return ratios.
With 18% ROE and broad-based loan growth, Kotak notes that the lender shows no visible stress even in unsecured portfolios.
Why it matters: In a high-interest environment, efficient capital allocation and risk management make ICICI a preferred pick in the financial space.
🔹 6. Mahindra & Mahindra — Target ₹4,000
M&M remains a dominant force across SUV, tractor, and LCV segments.
Kotak expects tractor volume momentum to continue, with SUV sales growing in mid-to-high teens YoY in FY26. Profitability is also expected to rise in the LCV and tractor divisions.
Why it matters: M&M’s diversified auto portfolio gives it a strong edge amid rising rural demand and a push toward EV adoption.
🔹 7. Reliance Industries — Target ₹1,555
Reliance is eyeing a doubling of EBITDA to ₹2.11 lakh crore by FY27.
The company’s much-anticipated telecom IPO could hit markets by H1CY26, while its retail arm is expected to post 20%+ revenue CAGR over the next three years.
Why it matters: Reliance continues to be a multi-engine growth story — energy, telecom, retail, and new-age digital ventures.
What Makes Muhurat Trading Special
For decades, Muhurat trading has symbolized prosperity and optimism. Many investors, families, and even first-time traders participate in this one-hour window — not just for profit, but as a ritual of financial blessing.
Historically, the Nifty 50 has closed positive in all five Muhurat sessions between 2020 and 2024, giving average returns of 0.4% to 0.9%.
The tradition blends faith with finance — a reminder that wealth creation in India has always been as emotional as it is analytical.
Market Outlook for Samvat 2082
Analysts expect a “buy-on-dips” strategy to dominate in the months ahead.
The government’s focus on domestic consumption, GST simplification, and tax relief up to ₹1 lakh/month income are structural positives.
If earnings revive as projected, India’s long-term equity story remains as strong as ever — with the festive season offering investors both optimism and opportunity.
Investing in Faith and Fundamentals
Muhurat trading isn’t about timing the market — it’s about trusting the market.
As Samvat 2082 begins, the seven names highlighted by Kotak Securities — from Adani Ports to Reliance — reflect India’s blend of industrial strength, digital progress, and financial prudence.
In a world clouded by uncertainty, these picks offer something rare — clarity, conviction, and a touch of Diwali optimism.