Lunar Eclipse 2026 Live Update: Chandra Grahan date, sutak kaal, city wise timings in India, when and where to watch the blood moon
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 03, 2026, 18:58:56 IST
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Lunar Eclipse 2026 Live Update: Chandra Grahan date, sutak kaal, city wise timings in India, when and where to watch the blood moon

Sky watchers and astronomers, you have a huge opportunity ahead of you. On March 3, 2026, a rare celestial phenomenon known as a total lunar eclipse will take place in the sky. For you, this will be an adventure of a lifetime. It is highly recommended that you all attend this fantastic event. Because it will be reddish in color, this is known as Blood Moon. A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up in such a way that the Moon is shielded from direct sunlight by the Earth's shadow. This is an event that takes place every few months and is not casual.

During a full lunar eclipse, the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, creating a shadow on the Moon. Even when the Moon is hidden by Earth's shadow, some sunlight still passes through Earth's atmosphere and bends due to refraction. Shorter blue light wavelengths are more effectively scattered by the Earth's atmosphere, but larger red and orange light wavelengths bend and reach the Moon. The Moon turns reddish as a result, earning the term "Blood Moon."

India would not be able to see the initial phase of the lunar eclipse because the event will occur under "moonrise eclipse" conditions. This means that the eclipse will be in progress by the time the Moon rises in different parts of the country. As a result, the visibility period will vary significantly and people in different cities won't be able to witness the eclipse until after moonrise.
18:58 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time: What comes next on the calendar for the eclipse?

After the lunar eclipse on March 3, the next big eclipses in India are:

On February 20, 2027, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse.
A solar eclipse that only covers part of the sun will happen on August 2, 2027.
There will be more solar and lunar eclipses in 2028 and 2029.


18:47 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time: Cleansing time
Chandra Grahan is over now and now you are advised to take bath and then you will be able to eat, drink anything.
18:36 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse Date and Time: Check the time
These cities can witness the Blood Moon


Bengaluru – 6:32 PM
Hyderabad – 6:26 PM
Mathura – 6:25 PM
Chandigarh – 6:27 PM

18:28 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India: 15 Minutes Power Window
From 06:26 PM to 06:46 PM, you can utilise this time period to channelise the energy of Moon and use this time for manifestation by following these below mentioned ways:

1. No phone, no scrolling, no tv and no news.
2. No chit chatting and no gossiping.
3. No extra thoughts and emotions.
4. Just sit at a quiet place and close your eyes.
5. Do meditation and chant mantras.
6. If you can not chant mantras then you must do naam japa.
7. Chant mantras associated with Moon.

Those who will do these above things, they will see the positive changes in their life and they won't be affected by this. Once the eclipse ends, they should cleanse themselves by taking bath with gangajal or salt water.
18:25 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time in India: Utilise this powerful time
This is the most powerful time for the people when they can chant the mantras or do meditation and seek blessings of the divine power. Coming 15 minutes are very important for you so better use that and avoid disturbance.
18:23 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Visibility in India: Check the city wise timings
People from these places are going to witness this spectacular celestial event:

Noida – 6:20 PM
Bhopal – 6:21 PM
Chennai – 6:21 PM
Chandigarh – 6:27 PM
18:20 (IST) Mar 03
LunarEclipse 2026 Date and Time: 28 Names of Chandradev
Om Chandraya Namah, Om Indave Namah, Om Shishiraya Namah, Om Shubhravarnaya Namah, Om Ratnagarbhaaya Namah, Om Sudhakaraaya Namah, Om Sadapushkaya Namah, Om Sashine Namah, Om Subhapradaya Namah, Om Sudhamayaya Namah, Om Somanathaya Namah, Om Sudhakaraya Namah, Om Srimanaya Namah, Om Shubhapradaya Namah, Om Chandravarnaya Namah, Om Padmanabhabhyam Namah, Om Sheetaamshu Namah, Om Oshadhiisha Namah
Om Kalaanidhi Namah, Om Jaivaatrika Namah, Om Ramaabhraataa Namah, Om Kshiirodaarnava-sambhavah Namah, Om Nakshatra-naayakah Namah, Om Shambhu-shirash-chuudaamani Namah, Om Vibhu Namah, Om Taapahartaa Namah, Om Nabhodiipa Namah, Om Chandro-akhila-vapuh Namah
18:12 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan Date and Time in India: Is it fine to drink water?
No, drinking, eating and sleeping are prohibited during the time of Lunar Eclipse. If you are ill, elder, or an infant then you can give them something to eat but if you are healthy and perfect then you should wait.
18:07 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: This Chandra Grahan will make you think over it
This Lunar Eclipse will make you think over these points. Something from the past will come again to complete you. Some patterns will repeat and the karma you have done in the past, will come back to you.

1. Past Karma
2. Unfinished lessons
3. Cycles that repeat
4. Soul contract
17:55 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time: What to do after eclipse?
This is the powerful night and you can enhance your intuition power so you are advised to follow these below mentioned rituals:

1. You should first cleanse your home and puja room by using gangajal.
2. If you don't have gangajal at home then you can cleanse it by using rock salt water.
3. Take a bath by adding few drops of gangajal or rock salt. It will remove the negative effects of Chandra Grahan.
4. Tonight we all need to calm the Moon by offering water to the Moon. You can add milk or panchamrit in that water.
5. Chant Chandra mantra "Om Sraam Sreem Srom Saha Chandramase Namah".
6. If you face difficulty in sleeping then listen to the Shiva mantras or Hanuman chalisa so that you can have a sound sleep in the night.
17:45 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date: when will this lunar eclipse end?

  • On March 3, the eclipse will start in the afternoon and end in the early evening. It will last for a few hours.
  • The eclipse will start around 3:20 PM IST.
  • Between 6:33 and 6:40 PM IST will be the best time to see the eclipse.
  • The eclipse will end at 6:47 PM IST.

17:38 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India: Check Kolkata Time
Kolkata people are advised to witness the Blood Moon at 5:43 PM.
17:30 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time: Seek protection from Hanuman Ji
If you think that you are really in a bad phase mentally and psychologically and this Lunar Eclipse is really disturbing for you then you can just seek protection from Lord Hanuman by reciting Hanuman Chalisa as many times as you can and if you can not chant whole Hanuman Chalisa and you must chant these lines:

1. "Bhoot Pishaach Nikat Nahin Aaave Mahaveer Jab Naam Sunave"
2. "Sankat Te Hanuman Chudaave Mann Kram Vachan Dhyan Jo Laave"
3. "Naase Rog Hare Sab Peera Jo Sumire Hanumat Bal Beera"
4. "Sab Sukh Lahe Tumhari Sharna Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darna"
17:25 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 in India: Eclipse Details
First Contact with the Penumbra - 02:16 PM
First Contact with the Umbra - 03:21 PM
Total Phase Begins - 04:35 PM
Maximum of Lunar Eclipse - 05:04 PM
Total Phase Ends - 05:33 PM
Last Contact with the Umbra - 06:46 PM
Last Contact with the Penumbra - 07:52 PM
17:19 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time: Chant Shiva Mantras
The beautiful crescent Moon is adorned on the forehead of Lord Shiva so he is the one, who can control the Moon and your mind also. Shiva is the protector of the moon so whenever the Moon is affected then he is the one, who can give protection to the Moon and you too.
17:13 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Visibility in India: The connection between Moon and Mind
The Moon is associated with the mind, which is changeable during the waning and the waxing phase. The mind often changes just like the Moon. People have mood swings, change in behaviour, and expressions. The moon represents thinking, feelings, emotions, sleep, fertility and mental stability. The mind is an instrument through which consciousness experiences the world. The tides of the oceans, the cycles of nature, and the emotional rhythms of human beings are all synchronized through the lunar principle. The thoughts, emotions, memory and imagination are the main things that operate us. Moon is the symbol of the mind, which originates from the cosmic mind.
17:06 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan Date and Time: Remove Negativity after eclipse
You can take a small hawan kunda or an earthen pot, place a cow dung piece, light it by using camphor and add few drops of ghee then you can chant "Mahamrityunjaya Mantra" 11 or 21 times and offer 11 or 21 pair of cloves in that. This will cleanse your aura and enhance positive energy.
16:57 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Noida Time
Noida people would be able to witness this amazing celestial event at 06:20 PM.
16:52 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time: Check Delhi Time
You can prepare to witness this blood moon in Delhi at 06:22 PM
16:48 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time: Guidelines for pregnant women
1. Pregnant women are suggested to stay indoor during the eclipse for their own protection.
2. Pregnant women must avoid physical work during the eclipse time.
3. Expected mothers should take bath after the eclipse and add few drops of Gangajal in your water then take bath.
4. They should not touch sharpen objects (needles, knife, scissors) during the eclipse.
16:42 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: You can chant these mantras
1. Om Namah Shivaye..!!
2. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye..!!
3. Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah..!!
4. Sarva Mangal Maangalyayei Sharanyayei Triyambike Gauri Nrayani Namostute..!!
5. Om Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapalini Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute..!!
6. Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugadhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv BBandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat..!!
16:35 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 in India: Do these rituals after eclipse
1. Purifying Bath: You should add gangajal or in the absense of gangajal you can add rock salt in your bathing water.
2. Clean your home or temple: Sprinkle gangajal in every corner of the house and puja room.
3. Donate: You are advised to donate these items- sugar, wheat flour, milk, curd and white sesame seeds.
16:31 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026: Which phase will be visible?
The only part of the eclipse that you will be able to see is the last part, which will happen around moonrise. This will happen in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai between 6:20 and 6:30 PM IST.

People in northeastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Bengal will be able to see the eclipse better because the Moon rises earlier there.
16:29 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time: Who should be careful?
Elderly people, pregnant women, children, people with weak moon and people who have anxiety issues should stay careful and stay protected from the Chandra Grahan. They are advised to follow the given guidelines.


16:26 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India: 15 Minutes Power Window
From 06:26 PM to 06:46 PM, you can utilise this time period to channelise the energy of Moon and use this time for manifestation by following these below mentioned ways:

1. No phone, no scrolling, no tv and no news.
2. No chit chatting and no gossiping.
3. No extra thoughts and emotions.
4. Just sit at a quiet place and close your eyes.
5. Do meditation and chant mantras.
6. If you can not chant mantras then you must do naam japa.
7. Chant mantras associated with Moon.

Those who will do these above things, they will see the positive changes in their life and they won't be affected by this. Once the eclipse ends, they should cleanse themselves by taking bath with gangajal or salt water.


16:25 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026: Is this casual Lunar Eclipse?
This Lunar Eclipse will not be normal or a casual one because this is going to take place in Leo zodiac sign under the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and above that on the day of Holi. You can not take this Chandra Grahan as normal because so many changes are coming in your life. Your life will not be as usual after this Lunar Eclipse. This will bring change in your thoughts, mind, emotions and give you clarity in life. People, who were on the path of injustice, this Lunar Eclipse will remove the evil from the earth just like Holika was burned to death. You need to purify your thoughts, intentions and this should be visible in your actions too otherwise this Lunar Eclipse will give a big setback in your professional and personal life. This will be one of the biggest astrological event so people should be aware of this. An energy portal will open on that day just for few hours, either you can utilis it with your pure thoughts and seek forgiveness or you can ruin it for years.
16:24 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: What makes this Lunar Eclipse unique?
On Phalguna Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, people celebrate Holi. However, this time it is taking place on the day of Holi, the festival of colors, which makes it even more memorable.

Eclipses are connected to Rahu and Ketu, two shadow planets that are believed to disrupt the moon's energy during a grahan. In order to stay safe during this period, people usually take particular measures.
16:19 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time: Why it is known as 'Blood Moon'
NASA claims that during a total lunar eclipse, Earth stops the majority of the Sun's direct light from reaching the Moon, giving it a deep red or orange hue. A thick layer of Earth's atmosphere filters and bends the little sunlight that makes it to the lunar surface.
16:16 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time in India: Visibility in different cities
Noida – 6:20 PM
Gurugram – 6:02 PM
Lucknow – 6:02 PM
Kolkata – 5:43 PM
Bhopal – 6:21 PM
Chennai – 6:21 PM
Patna – 5:55 PM
Bengaluru – 6:32 PM
Hyderabad – 6:26 PM
Kanpur – 6:14 PM
Varanasi – 5:43 PM
Prayagraj – 5:55 PM
Indore – 6:26 PM
Dehradun – 6:14 PM
Mathura – 6:25 PM
Chandigarh – 6:27 PM
Jaipur – 6:14 PM

16:12 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time: Which name should be chanted during eclipse?
If you can not chant mantras then you can chant any name either "Shri Ram" or "Radha" during the time of eclipse. These names are extremely powerful and can give you protection from all the negative energies.
16:07 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Visible in India Today: Why you should avoid eating during eclipse?
Rather than for scientific grounds, many individuals abstain from eating during a lunar eclipse because of customs and religious beliefs. According to Hindu tradition, food prepared or consumed during the Grahan Sutak period, which starts a few hours before the eclipse, may have detrimental consequences on one's health or vitality. Because of this, adherents frequently fast, refrain from cooking, and only eat after bathing after the eclipse is over. However, there is no scientific proof that eating during a lunar eclipse is dangerous, and it is typically recommended that people with health issues, young children, and the elderly avoid skipping meals needlessly.
15:54 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time in India: Check the below mentioned details
15:51 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Visible in India Today: Visibility in other countries
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, North and South America, Russia, and all of Asia will be able to see the total lunar eclipse.
15:45 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Time Today in India: Moon is in Leo
This time Lunar Eclipse will take place in Leo zodiac signs under Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, which is a Nakshatra of Venus. This time period might bring some changes in their professional and personal life. The people who were single for so long, may find their soulmate but they need to leave their past behind, they should not carry the emotional baggage with them in their life. Let go of the past and move forward with the new beginning and new life. You need to cleanse your mind, body and soul after this Lunar Eclipse.

15:35 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Visible in India Today: Who should be careful today?
1. Pregnant women.
2. People who have anxiety issues.
3. Small children.
4. People who are going through emotional stress.
5. Elderly people should be careful.
6. People who have weak Moon in their horoscope.

15:32 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Time Today in India: What to donate after the eclipse?
Offer these below mentioned items after the eclipse:

1. White clothes
2. Milk
3. Sugar
4. Curd
15:28 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan Today Time: Check full details here
Lunar Eclipse started from 03:20 PM on March 3, 2026 and it will end at 06:47 PM in the evening. The Moon will be visible in India from 06:26 PM and the maximum visibility will begin from 06:33 PM to 06:40 PM.

15:24 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Visible in India Today: Eclipse started
The first lunar eclipse of the year started from 03:20 PM and this is the most powerful time, when you can look into your thoughts, emotions and feelings and right time to correct your karma because Ketu is with Moon. Ketu represents dharma and moon is your inner calling and this is the time when you can check whether you are on a path of righteousness or not. Stay quiet, sit with yourself and think twice before doing anything wrong.
15:19 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Visible in India Today: 3 Importing things to do during Chandra Grahan
1. You can do naam japa.
2. You can chant your guru mantra.
3. You can chant any shiva or vishnu mantra.
15:16 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Time in India: Countdown begins now
The first Lunar Eclipse of the year is going to start from 03:20 PM. People should follow the guidelines which we have given in our posts and be with us for more information
15:13 (IST) Mar 03
Blood Moon in India: Check city wise timings
15:05 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan Date and Time: 20 minutes left
Do the below mentioned things before the eclipse:

1. Place tulsi leaves in all the eatables and water.
2. Cover the idols and your home temple with clean cloth.
3. Pregnant women can eat and drink plenty of water so that they can spend these hours.

15:01 (IST) Mar 03
First Lunar Eclipse 2026 in India: Significance of Chandra Grahan
This is the most powerful time for performing spiritual activities, mantra chanting, and karmic cleansing
14:54 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date: Is Naam Japa enough?
Yes, naam japa is not just enough, its everything. All planets are controlled by the preserver of this universe and when you chant his name then your aura becomes so strong that no bad energy can enter your aura. If you are a non worshipper and still want to protect yourself from the malefic energy then you must cover your aura with naam japa.
14:46 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026: What to do during Lunar Eclipse
1. No phone, no scrolling, no tv and no news.
2. No chit chatting and no gossiping.
3. No extra thoughts and emotions.
4. Just sit at a quiet place and close your eyes.
5. Do meditation and chant mantras.
6. If you can not chant mantras then you must do naam japa.
7. Chant mantras associated with Moon.
14:40 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse in India: "Chandrama Manaso Jatah"
Because it illustrates the connection between the Moon, consciousness, and the mind, this phrase has profound spiritual and astrological significance. The Purusa Sukta claims that the Moon originated from the cosmic being's manas, or thinking. The celestial bodies are believed to be the manifestation of inner cosmic principles; the universe is more than just material.
14:34 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: Almost one hour left
Chandra Grahan is going to start from 03:20 PM and it will end at 06:47 PM. This is a powerful celestial event, which is going to happen in the universe and we all should stay quiet, silent, just be focused on what you are doing. Don't argue, don't demand anything, don't be hurt and let everybody do what they want because this time shall pass and soon you will come out of the clouds and shine again.
14:28 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India: Indian Standard Time (IST) is the time in India.

On March 3, the eclipse will start in the afternoon and end in the early evening. It will last for a few hours.


  • The eclipse will start around 3:20 PM IST.
  • Between 6:33 and 6:40 PM IST will be the best time to see the eclipse.
  • The eclipse will end at 6:47 PM IST.


14:25 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan Date and Time: Holi tips
1. You should not play holi today as it won't be auspicious for you.
2. Holika Dahan should be performed after the eclipse.
3. Better you play Holi on March 4, 2026.
14:20 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: One powerful advice for Leo and Aquarius
Leo: You need to stay away from the arguments and have patience.
Aquarius: You should do meditation and pick any Shiva mantra to chant.
48 More Updates
On March 3, 2026, the first Chandra Grahan will be held. For all of the astronomers and sky watchers who are eagerly waiting for this time so we must mentioned here that this will be an exciting celestial event for them. People would now be wondering if this event will be visible from India or not. So you should keep this in your mind that this time you will be able to witness this amazing spectacular event. This time, the moon eclipse will be visible from many locations around India, and people will be able to capture this incredible event with their DSLRs and cameras. This Chandra Grahan will start in the afternoon from 03:20 PM (March 3, 2026) and it will end at 06:47 PM in the evening. It will last for few hours. The most interesting thing is that people from India would be able to witness this Lunar Eclipse just for 15 minutes starting from 06:30 to 06:47 PM after the moonrise. Because the Moon rises earlier in the northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Bengal, people there will have a better chance of seeing the eclipse. On March 3, Sutak kaal will start from 06:23 AM in the morning and it will end with the Eclipse. Holi is celebrated on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. But this time it will happen on the day of festival of colors, Holi which makes it more special and unique. Hindus believe that eclipses are related to the myth of Rahu and Ketu, two shadow planets that are supposed to disturb the moon' energy during a grahan. People typically take specific actions and precautions to keep safe during this time. From a scientific perspective, lunar eclipses are excellent opportunities to study the interactions between the Moon and Earth as well as the effects of the atmosphere. They can be used by scientists to understand how the atmosphere alters sunlight and even to make reasonable assumptions about the composition of the atmosphere. Both amateur and professional astronomers have the opportunity to host activities during this full moon eclipse where people can see the sky, snap pictures of the stars, and engage in social science outreach. Astrologers and other significant cultural organizations frequently discuss how the eclipse occurs in the Leo sign during the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and for more details you are advised to stay connected with us.