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Chandra Grahan 2026: Total Lunar Eclipse on 3 March – Sutak Timing, Zodiac Impact, and Do’s & Don’ts
A rare celestial event will occur on 3 March 2026 (Tuesday) as a Total Lunar Eclipse (Khagraas Chandra Grahan) coincides with the Phalguna Shukla Purnima of Vikram Samvat 2082. This year, the eclipse falls around the time of Holi, making the occasion spiritually significant.
Holi celebrations will follow this sequence:
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2 March 2026: Holika Dahan
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3 March 2026: Lunar Eclipse
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4 March 2026: Dhulendi (Festival of Colors)
Here is everything you need to know about the eclipse timing, Sutak period, visibility, zodiac effects, and important precautions.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Timings (IST)
According to traditional Panchang calculations, the eclipse timings in Indian Standard Time are:
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Eclipse Begins: 3:19 PM
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Maximum Phase: 5:04 PM
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Eclipse Ends (Moksha): 6:47 PM
In most parts of India, the beginning of the eclipse will not be visible because it will start before moonrise. After moonrise, many places may only witness the ending phase (Moksha) of the eclipse.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
Astrologically, this eclipse will occur in Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and Leo (Simha Rashi).
In India, clearer visibility is expected in parts of Northeast India, including:
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Arunachal Pradesh
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Assam
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Nagaland
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Manipur
The eclipse will also be visible in various regions of Europe, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and parts of Africa.
Sutak Period: When Does It Begin?
According to religious beliefs, the Sutak period for a lunar eclipse begins approximately 9 hours before the eclipse.
For this eclipse, Sutak will begin at 6:20 AM on 3 March 2026.
Special Note:
For children, elderly individuals, and sick persons, some traditions consider Sutak applicable about 3 hours before the eclipse contact time (around 12:20 PM).
Guidelines During Sutak
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Prepare food before Sutak begins.
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Adding Tulsi leaves to cooked food is considered auspicious.
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Temple doors are traditionally kept closed during the Sutak and eclipse period.
Impact on the 12 Zodiac Signs
The lunar eclipse is believed to influence all zodiac signs differently:
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Aries: Anxiety
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Taurus: Emotional distress
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Gemini: Financial gains and blessings
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Cancer: Loss or setbacks
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Leo: Difficulties or obstacles
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Virgo: Financial concerns
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Libra: Gains
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Scorpio: Comfort and happiness
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Sagittarius: Risk of defamation
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Capricorn: Severe challenges
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Aquarius: Issues related to women or relationships
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Pisces: Positive and सुखद results
Special caution is advised for individuals born under Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and those with Leo as their Moon sign. Those facing negative predictions are often advised to avoid direct viewing of the eclipse.
What to Do During the Eclipse
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Take a bath before the eclipse begins.
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Chant mantras, meditate, perform havan, tarpan, or mental worship during the eclipse.
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Pregnant women should take special precautions.
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After the eclipse ends, bathe again and perform charity.
Bathing in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Sarayu, or Narmada is considered highly auspicious. Donating food, clothes, jaggery, oil, copper utensils, silver, or gold is also regarded as beneficial.
What Not to Do During the Eclipse
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Avoid eating during the eclipse.
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Do not sleep during the eclipse period.
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Avoid touching idols or performing regular temple rituals.
Astrological Perspective
According to traditional astrology, mantra chanting performed during an eclipse is believed to yield multiplied spiritual benefits. It is said that the longer one engages in prayer or meditation during the eclipse, the greater the spiritual reward.
The Total Lunar Eclipse on 3 March 2026 holds both astronomical and spiritual importance, especially as it occurs around the Holi festival. By observing traditional guidelines, engaging in prayer, and performing charitable acts, devotees can transform the eclipse period into a spiritually uplifting experience.
