According to the Hindu Panchang, the festival of Holika Dahan (Lunar Eclipse 2026) will be celebrated on March 3, 2026. This year is significant because the first Lunar Eclipse of 2026 coincides with the bonfire rituals. In Vedic tradition, performing auspicious tasks or prayers during an eclipse is generally avoided.
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Lunar Eclipse 2026: Date & Shubh Muhurat
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Auspicious Timing (Muhurat): 06:22 PM to 08:50 PM
Duration: 02 Hours 28 Minutes
Lunar Eclipse 2026 (Chandra Grahan): Timings
Eclipse Starts: 03:20 PM
Eclipse Ends: 06:47 PM
Sutak Period: Starts 9 hours before the eclipse. During this time, temples remain closed, and many people refrain from starting new ventures.
Do’s and Don’ts During the Eclipse (Rules)
Following traditional beliefs, here are the guidelines often followed during a Grahan:
- For Pregnant Women: It is advised to stay indoors and avoid using sharp objects like scissors, needles, or knives.
- Tulsi Leaves: To protect food and water from negative energy, place Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves in containers before the Sutak period begins.
- Charity: Taking a bath and donating to the needy after the eclipse ends (post 06:47 PM) is considered highly auspicious.
- Worship: Temple doors are usually closed during the eclipse, and idols should not be touched.
Lunar eclipse 2026 visible in India “Blood Moon”
This will be a Total Lunar Eclipse, often referred to as a Blood Moon due to the reddish hue the moon takes on.
Global Visibility
Total Eclipse (Blood Moon): East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, Pacific Ocean, Lunar Eclipse 2026 North America, and the Northern parts of South America.
Partial Eclipse: Parts of Europe, Western Asia, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.
Visibility in India
The eclipse will be visible across India, though the phase (Total vs. Partial) will vary by city.
Total Appearance: Mostly visible in Eastern and Northeastern parts of India.
Partial Appearance: Visible in most major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bhubaneswar.
Major International Cities for Total Visibility
You can catch the full Blood Moon in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Beijing.
(Disclaimer: The information given in this article is presented on the basis of various astrological calculations, Panchang, religious texts and beliefs. HindiSanatan does not claim the truth or accuracy of this information. Readers are requested to take it only as information and seek expert advice before taking any religious or spiritual decision. Our aim is not to promote any kind of superstition or misconceptions.)
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