Lunar Eclipse 2026 visibility in India: The first lunar eclipse of 2026, on March 3 (Tuesday), holds special astronomical and religious significance. This will be a total lunar eclipse, visible as a partial eclipse in India. At moonrise, the eclipse's final phase will be visible in some northeastern parts of the country.
According to Dr. Nigam Pandey, Head of the Department of Astrology, Dharma Samaj Sanskrit College, Muzaffarpur, apart from India, this lunar eclipse will also be visible in many areas of Eastern Europe, Asia continent, Australia, North America, South America, Atlantic, Pacific and Antarctica.
Eclipse timings (Indian Standard Time)
According to Indian Standard Time, the eclipse will begin at 3:19 pm, with its end time scheduled for 6:47 pm. In India, this eclipse will be visible only partially, not completely. A partial lunar eclipse will be counted from the time of moonrise, meaning the eclipse will begin to be visible at 5:50 pm.
Major phases of the eclipse (IST)
Where and how will the eclipse be visible in India
The eclipse will not be visible everywhere in India. In northeastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, the eclipse will be complete before the moon rises, allowing totality to be seen there.
In most parts of the country including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Mumbai, this eclipse will be visible in the form of Grastodhit, where the Moon will already be eclipsed at the time of sunrise and only the last phase i.e. Moksha Kaal will be visible.
Sutak time
According to religious beliefs, the Sutak period of a lunar eclipse begins nine hours before the eclipse begins. Since this eclipse is visible in India, the Sutak rules will be considered valid.
What is considered auspicious after an eclipse?
According to astrology and religious traditions, bathing immediately after the eclipse is over is considered auspicious. If possible, bathing with water from the Ganges River is best. Afterward, the home and temple are purified, and the idols of the deities are bathed, lamps are lit, and prayers are offered.
Bathing and donating after the eclipse are said to be of particular importance. These donations are considered inexhaustible. Donating rice, milk, sugar, or white clothes is considered fruitful. After this, it is best to eat freshly prepared food. Chanting the name of the Lord is said to be of particular importance during this time.
PC:Jagran
