Chandra Grahan Today on Holi: Check Food Rules During Lunar Eclipse; Blood Moon Sparsh-Moksha Kaal on Purnima

As India prepares to witness a rare celestial spectacle coinciding with Holi, skywatchers and devotees alike are turning their eyes toward the evening sky. The Chandra Grahan 2026, also known as a Lunar Eclipse or Blood Moon, is set to occur today, bringing together astronomy, tradition, and spiritual belief in one powerful event.

Lunar Eclipse Today: Start to End Timings, Visibility & What To Eat; Check All You Need To Know

From scientific explanations to religious practices, here is everything you need to know about today's lunar eclipse including start and end timings (Sparsh and Moksha), visibility, and what to do during the eclipse.

What Is a Blood Moon?

A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Moon takes on a reddish hue instead of disappearing completely. Scientifically, this happens because of the way sunlight interacts with Earth's atmosphere.

When the Sun's light reaches Earth during an eclipse:

• Shorter wavelengths like blue light are scattered away.
• Longer wavelengths like red light are bent (refracted) into Earth's shadow (umbra).

This red light then falls on the Moon's surface, making it appear coppery or deep red. The same phenomenon explains why the sky appears red during sunrise or sunset.

Chandra Grahan 2026 on 3 March: Check Timings in India

According to astronomical calculations, the lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026 will be visible across India, though the intensity may vary depending on location.

Lunar Eclipse Start to End Timings (IST): Chandra Grahan Sparsh, Moksha Kaal, 3 March 2026

First Contact (Sparsh): 3:21 PM IST

Last Contact (Moksha): 6:46 PM IST

Date: 3 March 2026

Different regions of India may witness varying degrees of visibility based on cloud cover and geographical position.

Chandra Grahan on Holi, Palguna Purnima Tithi: Significance of Lunar Eclipse Coinciding with Holi

This year's Chandra Grahan is especially significant as it coincides with Purnima Tithi and the festival of Holi.

In Hindu belief, the full moon night (Purnima) is considered spiritually powerful. The moon's rays falling on Earth during this time are regarded as sacred and auspicious.

Food Rules on Sutak Kaal: What To Eat During Chandra Grahan; Do's and Don'ts Rules

1. Eat Sattvik Food: Experts suggest consuming light and pure vegetarian (sattvik) food after the eclipse. Recommended items include roti, rice, dal and sabzi.

2. Eat foods containing haldi (turmeric), known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

3. Add Basil Leaves (Tulsi): Before the eclipse begins, people often add basil (Tulsi) leaves to cooked food and dairy products. It is believed to reduce negative effects associated with the eclipse.

4. Take a bath before the eclipse begins.

5. Take another shower once the eclipse ends.

6. After the eclipse, sprinkle Gangajal throughout the house. Sprinkle it on family members as a purification ritual.

7. Mantra chanting during the eclipse is considered highly beneficial.

8. Donating white sesame seeds and wheat flour to the needy is considered auspicious and is believed to help reduce "Chandra dosha."

9. Clean the House: Post-eclipse cleaning is recommended to symbolically remove negative energy.

10. Avoid eating or drinking during the eclipse period.

11. Avoid non-vegetarian food.

12. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Is It Safe to Look at a Lunar Eclipse?

Yes. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye.

Lunar eclipses only reflect sunlight and do not produce harmful rays. The Moon during an eclipse does not become brighter than a regular full moon - which people observe safely all the time. You can enjoy the Blood Moon without special glasses or equipment.