India will witness its first Total Lunar Eclipse of 2026 on March 3, and the celestial event coincides with the festival of Holi, adding cultural significance to astronomical excitement.
The eclipse will be visible across many parts of the country, with Northeast India getting the best view.
Here’s a complete guide to city-wise timings, visibility details, Sutak Kaal, and safe viewing tips.
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Full Timings (March 3, 2026)
According to Drik Panchang, the eclipse will unfold in multiple phases:
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Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 2:14 PM
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Partial Eclipse Begins: 3:30 PM
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Total Eclipse Begins: 4:58 PM
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Maximum Eclipse: 5:25 PM
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Total Eclipse Ends: 5:32 PM
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Partial Eclipse Ends: 6:47 PM
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Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 7:53 PM
However, since the Moon rises in the evening in India, most cities will witness only the later stages of the eclipse.
Will the Lunar Eclipse 2026 Be Visible in India?
Yes, the March 3 Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in India.
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Northeast India will witness the most dramatic phase, including totality at moonrise.
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Eastern, Northern, Western, and Southern regions will mostly see the partial eclipse.
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In many cities, the Moon will rise already partially or totally eclipsed a phenomenon known as a Grastodaya Eclipse.
City-Wise Moonrise Timings and Visibility in India
Northeast India – Best Visibility
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Guwahati – 5:45 PM: Total eclipse at moonrise
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Dibrugarh – 5:40 PM: Deep totality visible
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Itanagar – 5:35 PM: Total eclipse at moonrise
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Shillong – 5:44 PM: Blood Moon visible
Residents here may see a striking copper-red Moon rising in the eastern sky.
Eastern India
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Kolkata – 6:00 PM: Late total or partial phase
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Bhubaneswar – 6:05 PM: Partial eclipse
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Patna – 6:12 PM: Partial eclipse
Delhi, North & Central India
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New Delhi – 6:26 PM: Ending partial phase
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Jaipur – 6:28 PM: Partial eclipse
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Lucknow – 6:18 PM: Partial eclipse
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Bhopal – 6:24 PM: Partial eclipse
In several northern cities, totality may end before moonrise.
Western India
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Mumbai – 6:30 PM: Late partial phase
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Ahmedabad – 6:35 PM: Brief partial phase
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Pune – 6:32 PM: Final partial phase
Southern India
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Chennai – 6:15 PM: Partial eclipse
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Bengaluru – 6:28 PM: Partial eclipse
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Hyderabad – 6:22 PM: Partial eclipse
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Thiruvananthapuram – 6:23 PM: Partial eclipse
What Is a Grastodaya Lunar Eclipse?
A Grastodaya eclipse occurs when the Moon rises while it is already eclipsed. On March 3, many Indian cities will not witness the beginning of the eclipse. Instead, the Moon will appear above the horizon already darkened or partially covered by Earth’s shadow.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red? (Blood Moon Explained)
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear red or copper-colored, earning the name “Blood Moon.”
This happens because:
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Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.
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Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue light.
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Red light bends and reaches the Moon.
This is the same reason sunsets appear red.
Sutak Kaal for Chandra Grahan 2026
As per Drik Panchang, the Sutak Kaal for a lunar eclipse begins approximately 9 hours before the eclipse starts.
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Sutak Begins: 6:20 AM on March 3, 2026
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Sutak Ends: After the eclipse concludes in the evening
Those observing religious customs may follow specific restrictions during this period, depending on regional traditions.
Can You Watch the Lunar Eclipse 2026 With the Naked Eye?
A lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
Unlike a solar eclipse, no special glasses or protective filters are required.
You can also use:
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Binoculars
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A telescope
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A smartphone camera for photography
Safe Viewing Tips for Lunar Eclipse 2026
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Step outside around your city’s moonrise time.
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Look towards the eastern horizon.
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Choose a location with minimal light pollution.
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Check local weather forecasts for clear skies.
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If cloudy, live streams may be available from global space agencies like NASA.
Why This Lunar Eclipse Is Special
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It is the first Total Lunar Eclipse of 2026.
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It falls on Holi, making it culturally significant in India.
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Northeast India gets a rare and dramatic totality view at moonrise.
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It appears as a rare Grastodaya eclipse in many cities.
For skywatchers, photographers, and festival observers, March 3, 2026, promises a memorable blend of celebration and celestial spectacle. Mark your calendar, check your city’s exact timings, and step out to witness this stunning cosmic event safely with the naked eye.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
