Chandra Grahan And Surya Grahan Dates: Eclipses have long captured attention in India. In 2026, several such celestial events are scheduled, each offering a chance for skywatchers, devotees, and culture
observers to pause and take note. In Indian tradition, eclipses carry astronomical importance as well as spiritual implications, with many households observing specific rituals before and after these occurrences. Understanding the dates, visibility, and customary practices can help people prepare for these rare events.
Solar and Lunar Eclipse 2026 Dates
Solar Eclipses in 2026 (Surya Grahan)
- 17 February 2026: Annular solar eclipse (not visible from India)
- 12 August 2026: Total solar eclipse (not visible from India)
Neither of these solar eclipses will be seen from Indian skies. This means residents across major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai will not witness the Sun’s partial or full obscuration from their location.
Lunar Eclipses in 2026 (Chandra Grahan)
- 3 March 2026: Total lunar eclipse (visible from India in the evening)
- 28 August 2026: Second lunar eclipse (not visible from India)
These events unfold as the Earth’s shadow crosses the Moon’s path, producing phases that start before and finish after the peak of the eclipse.
Lunar Eclipse Muhurat
Since March 3 is the only Lunar eclipse that will be visible from India, here are the Sutak period timings:
- Sutak start time- 09:39 AM
- Sutak end time – 06:46 PM
- Sutak start time for kids, old and sick- 03:28 PM
- Sutak end time for kids, old and sick – 06:46 PM
Why are Solar and Lunar Eclipses important in India?
While astronomical eclipses occur due to celestial alignments, Indian mythological traditions also offer symbolic narratives. For Surya Grahan, ancient texts describe the eclipse as the Sun being swallowed by a cosmic serpent or demon, emphasizing vigilance, ritual purity, and the human response to change.
However, eclipses are also important scientifically, as per NASA, total solar eclipses are particularly important because they allow scientists to see a part of the Sun’s atmosphere – known as the corona – that is usually too faint to see except when the bright light of the Sun is blocked.
Similarly, lunar eclipses are seen as a period of purification and starting new ventures and letting go of karmic baggage. It is rooted in the myth of Rahu swallowing the Moon. NASA studies lunar eclipses for understanding Earth’s atmosphere, rotation, and to prepare for lunar explorations and other experiments.
Rituals & Traditions
When an eclipse is visible from India, some customs that households follow are-
Sutak Observance: A spiritual hush period before the eclipse begins, during which worship and household rituals may be adjusted.
- Morning or Evening Prayers: Many families choose prayer sessions aligned with eclipse visibility.
- Purification Rites: Ritual purification of the home and ablutions after the eclipse has passed.
- Avoiding Cooking: Some communities pause meal preparation during the eclipse period.
Eclipse 2026 FAQs
Will any solar eclipse be visible from India in 2026?
No. Both solar eclipses in 2026, on February 17 (annular) and August 12 (total), will not be visible from India. They will be observable only from select regions outside the country.
Which lunar eclipse will be visible in India in 2026?
The total lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026 will be visible from India in the evening. The second lunar eclipse on 28 August 2026 will not be visible from India.
Is Sutak observed during every eclipse?
Sutak is traditionally observed only when the eclipse is visible at the location. For 2026, Sutak applies to the March 3 lunar eclipse in India, while eclipses not visible in India generally do not require Sutak observance according to many customary traditions.
