Tue Mar 17, 2026 | Updated 01:25 PM IST
In the year 2026, India will experience its first Total Lunar Eclipse, also known as Chandra Grahan, on Tuesday, March 3. This is a very special occurrence as it takes place during the festival of Holi, also known as Holika Dahan. Even though it is a Total Lunar Eclipse around the world, also known as a ‘Blood Moon,’ India will experience it as a Grastodaya Chandra Grahan, which means that the Moon will already be eclipsed when it rises in the evening.
The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on March 3, coinciding with the festival of colours, Holi, making it a rare and unique celestial event. While skywatchers and astronomers are eagerly looking forward to this phenomenon, many people are confused about the correct date and timing of Holika Dahan, as eclipses are considered inauspicious for religious rituals. To help devotees observe the festival with complete devotion and purity, it is important to know the correct date and auspicious time for Holika Dahan. Here’s everything you need to know.
The eclipse itself begins in the afternoon, but it becomes visible in India only after moonrise.
Event Phase |
Time (Indian Standard Time) |
Penumbral Phase Begins |
4:58 PM |
Total Eclipse (Totality) Starts |
4:58 PM |
Totality Ends |
05:32 PM |
Eclipse Ends (Moksha) |
7:53 PM |
In Vedic tradition, the Sutak Kaal for a Lunar Eclipse begins nine hours before the eclipse starts. Since this eclipse is visible in India, the Sutak rules are traditionally observed.
Sutak Starts: 06:20 AM (March 3, 2026)
Sutak Ends: 06:47 PM (With the end of the eclipse)
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The best views will be in Northeast India, where the Moon rises earlier, allowing for a longer viewing window.
City |
Moonrise Time (Visibility Starts) |
Duration of Visibility |
Kolkata |
05:32 PM |
~1 hour 15 mins |
Guwahati |
05:27 PM |
~1 hour 20 mins |
Patna |
05:44 PM |
~1 hour 03 mins |
Lucknow |
06:02 PM |
~45 mins |
Delhi / Noida |
06:22 PM |
~25 mins |
Chennai |
06:18 PM |
~29 mins |
Mumbai |
06:42 PM |
~05 mins |
Bengaluru |
06:28 PM |
~19 mins |
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth interferes between the Sun and the Moon. As a result, the Earth’s shadow will fall on the Moon. Due to the shadow, the Moon may appear darker than normal. In some instances, the Moon may appear reddish in colour. Lunar eclipses occur a few times a year. However, not all eclipses are visible from India. That is why the lunar eclipse of March 3, 2026, is significant.
1. What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon.
2. When will the lunar eclipse occur in 2026?
The lunar eclipse in 2026 will occur on the date mentioned by astronomers, with specific timings depending on different phases of the eclipse.
3. Will the lunar eclipse be visible in India?
Yes, the lunar eclipse in 2026 will be visible in many parts of India, depending on the region and the timing of moonrise.
4. What time will the lunar eclipse start and end in India?
The exact start and end time of the lunar eclipse will vary by location. Viewers are advised to check local timings for accurate observation.
5. Is the lunar eclipse in 2026 a total or partial eclipse?
The 2026 lunar eclipse will be either a total or partial eclipse, as per astronomical predictions, with some parts of the Moon remaining visible during the event.
6. What is Sutak period during a lunar eclipse?
Sutak is a traditional period observed before an eclipse in Hindu belief, during which certain activities like cooking and eating are avoided.
7. When does Sutak start for the lunar eclipse 2026?
The Sutak period generally begins around 9 hours before the start of the lunar eclipse in India.
8. Is it safe to watch a lunar eclipse with naked eyes?
Yes, unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with naked eyes and does not require any protective eyewear.
9. Can pregnant women watch a lunar eclipse?
Medically, there is no scientific evidence that watching a lunar eclipse affects pregnancy. However, some people follow traditional beliefs and take precautions.
10. Should food be avoided during a lunar eclipse?
There is no scientific restriction on eating during a lunar eclipse, though some people avoid food during Sutak due to religious beliefs.
Image credits: Freepik
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