Rare Lunar Eclipse Coincides with Holi Festival in 2026
A significant celestial event is set to occur on March 3, 2026, as a total lunar eclipse, or Chandra Grahan, will coincide with the vibrant Holi festival, a rare alignment not witnessed in over a century. The eclipse will be visible from India, Australia, and New Zealand, offering a spectacular view of the 'Worm Moon' turning a coppery 'blood moon' hue. In India, the astronomical event begins at 3:20 PM IST and will conclude at 6:47 PM IST, with the peak visibility timing varying by city. According to multiple Indian news sources, the event carries significant cultural and religious importance, marked by the observance of the Sutak period. This inauspicious time, beginning approximately nine hours before the eclipse at around 6:20 AM IST, involves traditional restrictions. During Sutak Kaal, many people avoid activities such as cooking, eating freshly prepared food, undertaking religious ceremonies, or starting new ventures, as temples often remain closed until the eclipse concludes. While the eclipse presents a stunning visual spectacle safe for naked-eye observation, the concurrent Holi festivities introduce a unique dynamic. Reports indicate that the timing of Holika Dahan, the traditional bonfire lit on the eve of Holi, may need to be adjusted due to the Sutak period. This rare convergence of a major astronomical event and a widely celebrated cultural festival is expected to draw significant public interest across the globe, with enthusiasts preparing to capture the phenomenon with cameras and DSLRs.
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Sources
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India: Sutak time, visibility, and significance of first Chandra Grahan - The Times of India
Planets & Transits News: Chandra Grahan is going to take place today; on March 3, 2026 and this will be a rare celestial event, which is going to happen on the day of Holi fes.
Chandra Grahan: When is the Lunar Eclipse in 2026? Date and timing in India (IST) - where to watch Chandra Grahan | - The Times of India
Trending News: If you like looking up at the night sky - or just need an excuse to step outside for a few quiet minutes, there’s a lunar eclipse coming in 2026 that .
The March full moon, known as the worm moon, is set to rise Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with 100% illumination by 6:38 a.m. ET, according to Space.com. The highlight, however, happens earlier. The lunar eclipse will begin at 3:44 a.m.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: When and where to watch; city wise timings in India - The Times of India
This time, Moon eclipse will be visible from different parts of India and they would be able to witness this amazing phenomenon in their DSLR's and camera's. Let's check out the more details of this Chandra Grahan: Lunar Eclipse will start from 03:20 PM on March 3, 2026 and it will end at 06:47 ...
Kal Grahan Kab Lagega: 3 मार्च को चंद्रग्रहण का समय? ज्योतिष विज्ञान से जानें ग्रहण से जुड़ी महत्वपूर्ण जानकारी - chandra grahan 2026 kab lagega total lunar eclipse timing sutak kal ka samay in india chandra grahan 3 march 2026 important updates - Navbharat Times
Chandra Grahan Kal Kab Lagega: कल 3 मार्च को साल का पहला चंद्रग्रहण लगने जा रहा है। यह ग्रहण भारत सहित ऑस्ट्रेलिया, न्यूजीलैंड और ...
Chandra Grahan 2026 Sutak time city-wise: Check Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow timings here | Spirituality News – India TV
Chandra Grahan 2026 Sutak time city-wise: Check when the Sutak period begins and ends in Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and other cities. Know what not to do during the lunar eclipse and important precautions to follow.
Chandra Grahan 2026 LIVE: What time will Sutak Kaal start in India? Check details - India Today
For the March 3 eclipse, the Sutak period will begin around 6:20 AM, about nine hours before the eclipse onset, and will remain effective until the eclipse ends in the evening. During Sutak Kaal, many people traditionally avoid activities such as cooking, eating meals prepared that day, religious ceremonies, and starting new ventures. Temples may also close their doors until the eclipse is over. ... The Chandra Grahan ...
Lunar Eclipse 2026 on Holi after 100 years: Check March 3 Chandra Grahan timings, Sutak period, when to celebrate Holika Dahan and more - The Economic Times
Chandra Grahan 2026 on Holi: Lunar Eclipse and Holi are falling on the same day, March 3, 2026, and it is a rare event happening after 100 years. The Chandra Grahan will start in the afternoon and end in the early evening, and will last for a few hours. The Sutak period will start nine hours ...
CHANDRA GRAHAN 2026 India Time: 3 को वर्ष का पहला चंद्र ग्रहण, जानें भारत में समय, सूतक व नियम - lunar eclipse 3 march 2026 india time chandra grahan 2026 sutak kaal chandra grahan 2026 visible in india chandra grahan 2026 dos and donts
वर्ष 2026 का पहला चंद्र ग्रहण 3 मार्च को लगेगा। भारत में यह 'ग्रस्तोदित खंडग्रास चंद्र ग्रहण' के रूप में दिखेगा, जिसका ...
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