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
Comments
Share

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.
14:17 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse in India: Important message for Leo and Aquarius
Leo: You were powerful in the past and will remain like this in the future and no one can over shadow your energy.
Aquarius: Your spirituality is the weapon and you must use it during this time period as five planets are already transiting in your zodiac sign.
14:11 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 in India: Important rituals to do before eclipse
1. Add tulsi leaves or kusha in all the eatables before the eclipse begins.
2. Cover the idols and home temple.
3. Avoid leaving the food uncovered as it will become contaminated.
4. Pregnant women should stay inside and sit at a quiet place.
13:56 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: Which mantras to chant during Chandra Grahan
You are advised to chant these below mentioned mantras, which can give you calmness during this Lunar Eclipse:

1. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye..!!
2. Om Namah Shivaye..!!
3. Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat..!!
4. Om Sraam Sreem Srom Saha Chandramase Namah..!!
13:46 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: What is coming next?
After the lunar eclipse on March 3, the next big eclipses in India are:

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

13:32 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Today: Visibility in India
Most Indians will only be able to witness portions of the eclipse, when the totality phase concludes and the Moon becomes extremely red. This occurs as a result of the Moon beginning to rise during the eclipse. For instance, Chennai residents may be able to witness the final portion of the total lunar eclipse for roughly 31 minutes following sunset. However, those in Cuttack may be able to see it for a longer period of time. You may be able to see up to 90% of it in Kolkata and some areas of eastern India. However, you might only be able to see a small portion of it as the moon rises in large cities in the country's middle and western regions.
13:11 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 in India: Scientific View
Astronomers say that a lunar eclipse is a natural event that happens in the sky and doesn't send out harmful rays. You can see a lunar eclipse, but not a solar eclipse.

There is no scientific proof that food gets contaminated or that people have to stop what they are doing during a lunar eclipse. But India's rich and diverse traditions still include cultural practices.
12:51 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time: Mothers and Moon
Pregnant mothers will undoubtedly be impacted by the Moon because, as we all know, Moon is connected to the water, emotions, thoughts, mind, sensitivity, intuition, and mothers. This is because pregnant women are particularly sensitive during this time and bad energies can affect them easily, so it is crucial that they exercise caution.

You can imagine the effects on expectant mothers during a lunar eclipse since the moon is not in its own energy and is heavily influenced by the malefic planets Rahu and Ketu. They are encouraged to abide by certain dos and don'ts in order to safeguard themselves spiritually at this period. You can review the crucial recommendations for expectant mothers by scrolling this live blog.


12:39 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time: Global Timings
CityTimings
Los Angeles3:04 AM
Denver4:04 AM
Chicago5:04 AM
St. Louis5:04 AM
New York6:04 AM
Washington6:04 AM
12:26 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India: City Wise Timings in India
CityStart of PenumbralEnd of Penumbral
Andhra Pradesh17:18 PM19:53 PM
Assam17:04 PM19:53 PM
Bihar17:37 PM19:53 PM
Chandigarh18:22 PM19:53 PM
Delhi18:21 PM19:53 PM
Karnataka18:24 PM19:53 PM
12:20 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date 2026: When to worship Kshetrapaal ji?
Holi is one of the prominent festivals of Hindus, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the world where Hindu community lives. As sutak period began at 6:20 am on March 3 and will end along with the lunar eclipse at 6:46 pm so during the day time, you can not perform puja to kshetrapaal ji and once the eclipse ends, you first take bath and then visit the area, where the bonfire is placed and light a four faced diya dedicated to Lord Kshetrapaal to seek protection.
12:14 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time: Why will Moon turn Red today
When the Moon passes into Earth's shadow, a lunar eclipse occurs. Sunlight scatters blue light and leaves behind a reddish glow as it passes through our planet's atmosphere during totality.

12:05 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Safety tips and how to watch
Lunar eclipses can be seen without special filters, while solar eclipses require them. However, to improve the situation:

1. When the sky is clear and you can see the eastern horizon, then is the ideal time.
2. You may observe the Moon's shifting phases and hues more vividly with binoculars or tiny telescopes.
3. Go somewhere in an open area and far from city lights for the finest view.
4. Numerous scientific organizations and space services are anticipated to broadcast the ceremony live worldwide for those who are unable to witness in person.


11:52 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse Date and Time: Is it safe to play Holi today?
Alert! playing Holi today during the eclipse time is not considered auspicious. It can bring bad luck into your life so you should away from colors and avoid playing Holi today.
11:36 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Karma Returns
Do you believe in Karma? Have you done anything wrong with anyone? if no then you are safe but if you have done something wrong to someone, hurt someone, did something unethical then you need to be careful and seek forgiveness for your sins from the divine power because Ketu and Moon conjunction only talks about the righteousness nothing else so if you are on the right path then feel good something good is coming your way but if you are on a wrong path then be careful, you may receive a big set back in the coming days.
11:27 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time in India: What to do after Grahan?
1. You should sprinkle Gangajal at home.
2. Remove the cover from idols.
3. Light a diya with desi ghee in the home temple.
4. Offer water to the Moon God.
5. Donate food and white clothes to the needy person.
11:13 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time in India: How to protect your unborn child?
This is very important for the expected mothers, who are going to give birth soon to their child and want to protect their child from all negative energies so we are here to help you out and providing you the solution for that so that you and your child stay protected so let's have a look below:

1. You should just avoid any physical activity even give a break to yourself from every household activity and sit at a quiet place in a sukhasana, carrying a coconut in your lap so that no negative energy can even touch your unborn baby.
2. You can chant Narayan Kavach.
3. Santan Gopal Mantra.
4. Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most powerful prayer and when you chant this then it creates a protective shield around your body.
5. Maha Mrityunjaya Maantra is also one of the most powerful mantras for providing protection.
6. Durga Kavach is also very powerful and gives protection from evil energies.


11:00 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date in India: Who all should be careful?
1. Pregnant women should be careful during this time.
2. Menstruatting women should stay protected.
3. People who have weak Moon in their birth chart should be careful.
4. If your Moon is with Rahu or Ketu then you must take care of yourself.

Do you know why you should be careful because you are sensitive and delicate and negative emotions and energies can affect you badly if you don't take proper care during this time period.
10:49 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Date and Time in India; Do you think this Lunar Eclipse is normal?
No, this Lunar Eclipse seems normal but its not because it is taking place during the festival of colors, Holi. This will bring heavy emotional energy, mood shifts and mental pressure. This will be the intense one that carries heavy emotional energy so you have to be careful and avoid arguments with your loved ones because this may create disturbance in your mind, gives you stress and also break your relationship.
10:36 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse Live Updates: Do you have a weak Moon in your kundali?
If you have a weak Moon in your kundali then you should be really careful during this time period because the Moon is going to be affected with this celestial phenomenon and when you have a weak Moon then it may create troubles in your life so you can seek blessings of your mother by touching her feet in the morning. This will help you regain your confidence and Moon represents mother so when you seek your mother's blessings then indirectly you are blessed by the Moon.
10:14 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan Live Updates: What should you do during Eclipse time?
Eclipse time is extremely auspicious for spiritual awareness so one must get involved in spiritual activities and these are the following activities you can do during Grahan time:

1. You should chant mantras during the eclipse time.
2. You are suggested to read any holy scripture.
3. You can do meditation during the time of eclipse.
4. You can stay quiet and spend this time period without thinking negative.
09:57 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026; Coincides with Holi
This is not considered a good a combination because this creates a malefic effect on the occasion of Holi and disturbed the auspicious moment into negative. A large number of people celebrated Holika Dahan on March 2 but the right day for Holika Dahan was March 3.
09:34 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Visibility in India: General impacts
Chandra Grahan is one of the celestial events, which is going to take place today; on March 3, 2026. This will bring so many changes in life on an emotional level, global level, and psychological level. This time Moon will be under Leo zodiac sign with Ketu so it will release karmic burdens but Moon will be under the influence of a malefic planet, you will have to control your thoughts and mind by drinking more water after the eclipse. You can take bath with salt water as it will protect you from the negative energies.
09:07 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse in India: What to do during eclipse

  • Don't eat or cook, like you usually do.
  • Meditate or say mantras
  • People often tell women who are pregnant to stay inside.
  • After the Eclipse you should take a bath
  • Sprinkle Gangajal on the floor and clean up the house.

08:48 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Live Updates: How to watch?
1. When the sky is clear and you can see the eastern horizon and it is the ideal time for you to witness this.
2. You can view the Moon's shifting phases and colors more vividly if you have binoculars or a small telescope.
3. Choose a spot that is open and far from city lights for the finest view. The place should be pollution free.

Many scientific organizations and space services are anticipated to provide live streaming of the event for those who are unable to attend in person.
08:35 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan LIVE Updates: What is Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves completely into the Earth’s shadow. This occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the lunar surface.

During this phase, the Moon appears coppery or reddish in colour, a phenomenon often referred to as a “Blood Moon”. The red hue is caused by sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.
08:23 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Visibility 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.

08:15 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026 Date and Time: Noon in Leo
This time Lunar Eclipse will take place in Leo zodiac signs under Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, which is a Nakshatra of Venus. You are advised to let go of the past and move forward with the new beginning, new love and new life. You need to cleanse your mind, body and soul after this Lunar Eclipse.
08:06 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 LIVE Updates: What you should avoid during Sutak time?
According to religious beliefs, idols of deities should not be covered, and worship practices are typically halted because of Sutak. During this period, ceremonial and auspicious actions are considered unlucky. People should avoid shaving, hair cut, nail cutting during the sutak period.
07:57 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and time in India: VIsibility in India?
Skywatchers from all around India will be able to see the lunar eclipse since it will be visible in a number of the country's largest cities. The Chandra Grahan can be seen in Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong depending on local weather, according to preliminary visibility forecasts.

Because visibility may differ significantly by location, experts encourage inhabitants of these cities to confirm exact local timings for the eclipse's beginning and peak. The best chance to see the many stages of the lunar eclipse is under the clear sky.


07:50 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse Visibility in India: Moonrise time today
On March 3, the moon is predicted to rise in India at approximately 6:26 p.m. This indicates that soon after the Moon rises above the horizon, the lunar eclipse will probably be visible in a number of locations across the nation.

The eclipse is expected to be visible starting at 6:26 p.m. and perhaps lasting until 6:46 p.m. Depending on the observer's location and local conditions, the precise duration and quality of sight may differ slightly.
07:42 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026: What should you avoid during Lunar Eclipse?
You are advised to avoid doing these below mentioned things during Chandra Grahan:

1. No phone, no scrolling, no tv and no news.
2. No chit chatting and no gossiping.
3. No extra thoughts and emotions.
4. No eating and drinking.
5. No sleeping during the day time.

07:40 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan visible in India: What makes this lunar eclipse unique?
Chandra Grahan is going to occur on the day of Holi, the festival of colors. This will take place on Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which makes it unique, rare, special and memorable.
07:36 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 LIVE Updates: Sutak kaal
Sutak kaal started from 06:23 AM in the morning and it will end with the Eclipse.
07:31 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Power Window
From 06:26 PM to 06:46 PM, you can use this time period to channelise the Moon energy and manifest by following these below mentioned ways:

1. Do mantra chanting.
2. Do meditation.
3. By doing journaling.
4. Do naam japa.
07:23 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan LIVE Updates: Are you prepared for this Lunar Eclipse?
If your answer is NO then we must tell you that you should be prepared for this Chandra Grahan because this time period will be highly spiritual and you are advised to have pure thoughts and intentions in your mind. Being prepared does not mean that you should take bath but to have clarity in thoughts is also a part of it. You must think positive because evil people will be suffered after this lunar eclipse.
07:19 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse Visibility: Is this Chandra Grahan visible in India?
Yes, this time the Lunar eclipse will be seen from India and people would be able to witness this and capture the moment in their DSLR's
07:16 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse in India: Can pregnant women work during eclipse?
According to the old tradition, it is recommended that pregnant women should take rest during the time of eclipse and avoid any physical exercise.
07:13 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse visible in India: What is 'Blood Moon'?
The full Moon is shadowed by the Earth, and only light from the Earth's atmosphere may reach it. Longer red wavelengths shine on the moon's surface while shorter blue wavelengths are dispersed by this light. Because of this, the moon has a vivid reddish or coppery hue, giving it the nickname "Blood Moon."
07:10 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: Start and End Time
On March 3, 2026, this Chandra Grahan will begin in the afternoon at 03:20 PM and conclude at 06:47 PM. It will go on for several hours. The most intriguing aspect is that, starting from 06:30 to 06:47 PM following the moonrise, Indians will only be able to see this lunar eclipse for 15 minutes. People in the northeastern states of Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh would have a higher chance of witnessing the eclipse because the Moon rises earlier there.
07:07 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and time in India: Moon 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.
07:02 (IST) Mar 03
Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: How to watch?
1. When the sky is clear and you can see the eastern horizon and it is the ideal time for you to witness this.
2. You can view the Moon's shifting phases and colors more vividly if you have binoculars or a small telescope.
3. Choose a spot that is open and far from city lights for the finest view. The place should be pollution free.

07:00 (IST) Mar 03
Is it safe to watch a lunar eclipse?
Yes, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with your naked eye.
06:34 (IST) Mar 03
Will the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in India?
Last phase of the eclipse will be witnessed by the Indians and that also depend upon the time and geographical situation.
06:23 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026: Sutak Time?
On March 3, Sutak kaal will start from 06:23 AM in the morning and it will end with the Eclipse.
06:23 (IST) Mar 03
Chandra Grahan 2026: 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.
06:22 (IST) Mar 03
Can you play Holi on March 3, 2026?
No, you should not play Holi on March 3 because there will be chandra grahan on this particular day and during this time period, it is not considered auspicious to play Holi and people should avoid using colors.
06:22 (IST) Mar 03
What is Lunar Eclipse?
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Moon will be in the Earth's shadow and the Earth will be between the Sun and the Moon. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full Moon passes into the umbra, or deep shadow, of the Earth. Because sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere, the Moon frequently appears red. It is known as the "Blood Moon" for this reason.
06:22 (IST) Mar 03
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Date and Time
Lunar Eclipse will start 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.

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.