When Is Lunar Eclipse 2026? Chandra Grahan Date, Sutak Kaal And City-Wise Timings In India
In 2026, India will witness its first Total Lunar Eclipse, also known as Chandra Grahan, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This celestial event is especially significant because it coincides with the festival of Holi, also known as Holika Dahan.
Globally, this will be a Total Lunar Eclipse, often referred to as a Blood Moon due to the reddish appearance of the Moon. However, in India, it will be observed as a Grastodaya Chandra Grahan, meaning the Moon will already be eclipsed when it rises in the evening sky.
Lunar Eclipse Date 2026
The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on March 3, 2026. Since eclipses are traditionally considered inauspicious for religious rituals, many devotees are confused about the correct date and timing of Holika Dahan celebrations.
To observe the festival with complete devotion and purity, it is important to understand:
- Exact eclipse timings
- Sutak Kaal duration
- Moonrise timings in different cities
Here’s everything you need to know.
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Timings In India
Although the eclipse begins in the afternoon, it becomes visible in India only after moonrise.
Eclipse Phases (Indian Standard Time)
| Event Phase | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Penumbral Phase Begins | 4:58 PM |
| Total Eclipse (Totality) Starts | 4:58 PM |
| Totality Ends | 5:32 PM |
| Eclipse Ends (Moksha) | 7:53 PM |
Since moonrise in most Indian cities happens after totality has already begun or ended, viewers will witness only the latter part of the eclipse.
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Sutak Kaal
According to Vedic traditions, the Sutak Kaal for a lunar eclipse begins 9 hours before the eclipse starts, provided it is visible in that region.
As the eclipse is visible in India, Sutak rules will be observed.
- Sutak Starts: 06:20 AM (March 3, 2026)
- Sutak Ends: 06:47 PM (with the end of eclipse visibility in India)
During Sutak, many devotees avoid:
- Cooking or eating food
- Temple visits
- Performing auspicious rituals
However, these practices are based on religious belief rather than scientific necessity.
Lunar Eclipse 2026 City-Wise Moonrise And Visibility
The best views will be in Northeast India, where the Moon rises earlier, allowing a longer viewing window.
Moonrise & Visibility Duration
| City | Moonrise Time | 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 |
Residents of Kolkata and Guwahati will get the longest viewing window, while western cities like Mumbai will have very limited visibility.
What Happens During A Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon.
There are three stages:
- Penumbral Eclipse – Slight dimming of the Moon
- Partial Eclipse – A portion of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow
- Total Eclipse – The entire Moon is covered and may appear reddish
The reddish colour occurs because Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight and bends red light toward the Moon — creating the famous Blood Moon effect.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with naked eyes.
Why Lunar Eclipse 2026 Is Significant
- First lunar eclipse of 2026
- Coincides with Holi / Holika Dahan
- Visible across many parts of India
- Rare Grastodaya Chandra Grahan event
Not all lunar eclipses are visible from India, making this event especially important for skywatchers and devotees alike.
FAQs: Lunar Eclipse 2026 (Chandra Grahan)
1. What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon.
2. When will the lunar eclipse occur in 2026?
It will occur on March 3, 2026, with visibility in India after moonrise.
3. Will the lunar eclipse be visible in India?
Yes, it will be visible in many parts of India, depending on moonrise timing.
4. What time will the eclipse start and end in India?
It begins at 4:58 PM IST and ends at 7:53 PM IST, though visibility depends on local moonrise.
5. Is the 2026 lunar eclipse total or partial?
Globally, it is a Total Lunar Eclipse, though India will observe it as a Grastodaya eclipse.
6. What is Sutak period?
Sutak is a traditional Hindu observance period before an eclipse, during which certain activities are avoided.
7. When does Sutak start in 2026?
It begins at 06:20 AM on March 3, 2026.
8. Is it safe to watch with naked eyes?
Yes. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch without protective eyewear.
9. Can pregnant women watch a lunar eclipse?
There is no scientific evidence suggesting harm. Precautions are based on traditional beliefs.
10. Should food be avoided during eclipse?
There is no scientific restriction, though some follow religious customs during Sutak.
