Chandra Grahan 2026 India Time: Check March 3 Lunar Eclipse Timings And Sutak Rules

The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, coinciding with the full moon day of Phalguna Shukla Paksha. The eclipse holds religious significance and will be visible in India as a partial lunar eclipse.

According to Astrologers, the eclipse will be visible in many parts of the world. It will be seen across most Asian countries, especially East and Central Asia, including India. It will be most clearly visible in Australia and Oceania. The eclipse will be fully visible in North and Central America, western South America and the Pacific Ocean region. It will not be visible in Africa and Europe.

Eclipse Timings in India on March 3, 2026 IST

In India, the eclipse will be visible at the time of moonrise. Only the final phase will be visible in most locations.

Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 2:14 PM

Partial Eclipse Begins: 3:20 PM

Full Lunar Eclipse Totality: 4:34 PM to 5:32 PM

Partial Eclipse Ends: 6:45 PM

Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 7:53 PM

Northeastern states such as Assam and Arunachal Pradesh may witness a glimpse of totality. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, a partial eclipse will be visible at moonrise for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Sutak Period for Lunar Eclipse 2026

As per religious beliefs, the Sutak period begins nine hours before the eclipse.

Sutak Begins: March 3, 2026 at 6:20 AM

Sutak Ends: 6:45 PM with eclipse moksha

Since the eclipse will be visible in India, Sutak rules will be observed.

What Not To Do During Lunar Eclipse

Avoid eating after the Sutak period begins. Children, elderly and sick persons are exempted.

Avoid using sharp objects such as needles, scissors and knives.

Avoid starting new or auspicious work.

Keep temple doors closed and avoid touching idols.

Avoid sleeping during the eclipse.

Avoid travel and marital relations.

What To Do During Lunar Eclipse

Chant mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.

Add Tulsi leaves or Kusha grass to food and drinks in advance.

Recite Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita or Hanuman Chalisa.

Take a bath before and after the eclipse.

What To Do After The Eclipse

Bathe immediately after the eclipse ends.

Sprinkle Ganga water in the home and temple.

Purify idols.

Donate food, clothes or money as per capacity.

Consume freshly prepared food.

Astrologer’s View

As per Astrologers, a partial lunar eclipse will occur in India on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, on the full moon day of Phalguna Shukla Paksha. He said the eclipse will be visible in India only during the Moksha period at 6:45 PM.

He advised that bathing should be done before and after the eclipse. Chanting mantras is considered auspicious. Kusha grass should be added to food items such as milk, yogurt and ghee. Pregnant women should take special precautions. Temple entry, touching idols, eating, sexual intercourse and travel should be avoided during the eclipse.