Lunar Eclipse Today: Chandra Grahan Timings, Sutak Kaal; Blood Moon Visibility in India on March 3, 2026

A lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) will occur on March 3, 2026, making it an important celestial and religious event. As the eclipse will be visible from India, it holds special significance from both astrological and religious perspectives.

Lunar Eclipse Tomorrow: Blood Moon To Visible In India; Check Sutak Kaal, Timings, Muhurat of Chandra Grahan on 3 March 2026

The eclipse will take place on a full moon (Purnima), during which the Moon may appear reddish or copper-like at several locations, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the Blood Moon.

Since the lunar eclipse will be visible in India, Sutak Kaal rules will be applicable. Sutak is traditionally considered an inauspicious period, during which certain activities are avoided to prevent negative influences.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Sutak Kaal Start and End Time

Understanding the Sutak Kaal is essential, as most religious rules are based on this period. For a lunar eclipse, Sutak begins 9 hours before the start of the eclipse and ends once the eclipse concludes.

On March 3, 2026, Sutak Kaal for the general public will begin at 9:39 AM and continue until 6:46 PM. During this period, religious rituals, cooking food, and auspicious activities are traditionally avoided.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Timings in India

According to astronomical calculations, the lunar eclipse will begin at 3:21 PM and end at 6:46 PM as per Indian time standard. During the eclipse, the Moon will move into the Earth's shadow, causing a visible change in its brightness and color.

In India, the local eclipse duration will be approximately 20 minutes and 28 seconds, while the Khandgras (partial) lunar eclipse phase will last 3 hours, 25 minutes, and 17 seconds.

Chandra Grahan 2026: Start and End Time (Sparsh and Moksha)

• First contact (Sparsh): 3:21 PM IST on 3 March 2026
• Last contact (Moksha): 6:46 PM IST on 3 March 2026

The eclipse will be visible across India in varying degrees depending on location.

Where Will Chandra Grahan 2026 Be Visible in India? Check State and City-wise List

The lunar eclipse will be visible across the entire country, though its intensity and phase will differ by region.

Total Lunar Eclipse Visibility in India

The most spectacular view of the eclipse will be seen in Assam (including Guwahati and Dibrugarh), Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar), Meghalaya (Shillong), and Nagaland. These regions are expected to witness the totality phase, where the Moon may appear deep red.

Blood Moon Visibility in India

Cities such as Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Patna will see a large portion of the eclipse, though not complete totality.

In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, the Moon will rise during the final phase of the eclipse, making it visible mainly as a partial lunar eclipse.

Chandra Grahan 2026: Sutak Kaal Rules and Prohibitions

During Sutak and the eclipse period, religious traditions advise avoiding worship rituals. Temple doors are kept closed, and touching idols is discouraged. It is believed that prayers performed during this time do not yield full spiritual benefit.

Food-related restrictions are also strictly followed. People are advised not to cook or consume fresh food from the start of Sutak until the eclipse ends. Auspicious events such as marriages, engagements, housewarming ceremonies, or starting new ventures are postponed.

Blood Moon 2026: Do's and Don'ts in March Lunar Eclipse

Many traditions advise people to remain indoors during the eclipse, especially pregnant women, as a precautionary measure. Touching Tulsi (holy basil) plants during Sutak is also considered prohibited.

Although Sutak is regarded as inauspicious, it is viewed as spiritually beneficial for meditation and mantra chanting. Devotees are encouraged to mentally recite mantras of their chosen deity, as meditation during this time is believed to bring mental calmness.

After the eclipse ends, it is customary to take a ritual bath and donate to the needy. To protect stored food, many people place Tulsi leaves in milk, curd, and other food items before Sutak begins.