Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: Rare "Holi Blood Moon" to Grace Indian Skies

A spectacular celestial event is set to occur tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This "Chandra Grahan" is particularly significant as it coincides with the festival of Holi, a rare astronomical and cultural alignment that hasn't happened in decades.

Key Timings for India (IST)

The eclipse will occur in the afternoon and early evening. While the full process begins while the Moon is below the horizon for most of India, the final and most dramatic phases will be visible as the Moon rises.

• Eclipse Starts (Penumbral): 2:14 PM
• Partial Phase Begins: 3:20 PM
• Totality (Blood Moon) Begins: 4:34 PM
• Maximum Eclipse: 5:03 PM
• Totality Ends: 5:32 PM
• Eclipse Ends Completely: 6:47 PM

Best Viewing Window: For most Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), the best time to watch is between 6:20 PM and 6:45 PM, immediately after moonrise.

Visibility Guide: Where to Watch

The visibility depends on your location within India. Because the Moon rises earlier in the East, the Northeastern states will have the best view.

Region	Visibility Type	Visibility Notes
Northeast India (Assam, Arunachal, etc.)	Total/Partial	Best view; will see the "Blood Moon" phase clearly.
East India (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha)	Partial	High visibility; Moon will rise deeply shadowed.
North/Central/South (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai)	Partial	Will see the final stages for 15–30 minutes after sunset.
Extreme West (Gujarat)	Minimal	Only the very end of the eclipse might be visible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Holi" Connection & Sutak Kaal

Since the eclipse is visible in India, the religious Sutak Kaal (inauspicious period) will be observed. This has led to specific changes for Holi celebrations:

• Sutak Start: 6:23 AM on March 3.
• Sutak End: 6:47 PM (after the eclipse finishes).
• Guidelines: During Sutak, temples remain closed and performing puja or touching idols is traditionally avoided.
• Holika Dahan: Most scholars suggest performing Holika Dahan rituals either before 6:23 AM on March 3 or after 6:47 PM.

Science & Safety

What is a Blood Moon? During totality, the Earth blocks direct sunlight. However, Earth's atmosphere bends red light toward the Moon, giving it a deep copper or reddish-orange glow.

Is it safe? Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is 100% safe to watch with the naked eye. No special filters or glasses are required.

Pro Tip: To get the best view, find an open spot with a clear view of the Eastern horizon shortly after sunset. Using binoculars will help you see the reddish hue and crater details more clearly.