Publish Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2026 (10:38 IST)
Updated Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2026 (11:03 IST)
The first full lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on March 3, coinciding with Holi. This celestial event will be visible in many parts of India, making it both a religious and scientific spectacle. During this eclipse, the "Blood Moon" will be visible, also referred to as a "Grasthoday" lunar eclipse. Viewing the lunar eclipse with the naked eye is completely safe. Let's dive into all the details.
What is a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow, with all three celestial bodies – the Sun, Earth, and Moon – aligning in a straight line. The Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, causing it to be obscured. This time, the eclipse will appear red in India, which is why it is being called a Blood Moon.
When Will Lunar Eclipse Occur?
According to Delhi Time, the eclipse will begin at 3:21 PM and end at 6:46 PM. Since the Moon will rise at 6:26 PM, the eclipse will be visible in Delhi from this time onward.
What is a "Grastoday" Chandra Grahan?
"Grastoday" means that when the Moon rises in the evening, it will already be in the eclipse phase. The Earth's shadow will start to cover the Moon at 3:21 PM, but the eclipse will be visible in India only after the Moon rises at 6:26 PM in Delhi. The timing of the Moon's rise varies across different cities in India.
Duration of Eclipse in Different Cities:
Delhi: The eclipse will begin at 3:21 PM and end at 6:46 PM. Since the Moon rises at 6:26 PM, it will be visible in Delhi for just about 20 minutes, from 6:26 PM to 6:46 PM.
Kolkata: In Kolkata, the Moon will rise at 5:43 PM, so the eclipse will be visible from 5:43 PM to 6:46 PM, lasting approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Dibrugarh: The best view of the full lunar eclipse will be seen from the northeastern region of India. In Dibrugarh, the eclipse will last for about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Indore: In Indore, the Moon will rise at 6:35 PM, so the eclipse will be visible from 6:35 PM until 6:46 PM, lasting about 11 minutes and 42 seconds.
When Will Sutak Period Begin?
The Sutak period begins 9 hours before the eclipse. If we follow the standard time, the Sutak period will start at 9:36 AM and end at 6:46 PM, coinciding with the end of the eclipse.
Where Will Lunar Eclipse Be Visible?
Best Viewing Locations in India:
Northeast India (Best View): States like Assam (Guwahati, Dibrugarh), Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar), Meghalaya (Shillong), and Nagaland will provide the best view. The full "Blood Moon" can be observed here.
Eastern India: Cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Patna will have a significant portion of the eclipse visible.
Northern, Western, and Southern India: In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, the Moon will rise during the final stages of the eclipse, and only a partial eclipse will be visible.
Which Zodiac Signs Will Be Affected Positively or Negatively?
Aries: Medium
Taurus: Medium
Gemini: Good
Cancer: Bad
Leo: Bad
Virgo: Bad
Libra: Good
Scorpio: Good
Sagittarius: Medium
Capricorn: Medium
Aquarius: Good
Pisces: Bad
Key Points about Eclipse:
Date of Eclipse: March 3, Tuesday
Penumbral Phase Begins: 2:14 PM
Partial Eclipse Begins: 3:21 PM
Total Eclipse Begins: 4:34 PM
Maximum Eclipse: 5:03 PM
Total Eclipse Ends: 6:46 PM
Sutak Period: 6:36 AM to 6:46 PM
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
