Chandra Grahan 2026: Date, Time & Religious Significance

Chandra Grahan 2026 (Lunar Eclipse) occurs on March 3, 2026. This total lunar eclipse is visible from India, with penumbral contact starting around 4:58 AM IST.

Sutak Kaal: What to Observe

Sutak Kaal is the period of religious restriction observed before and during a Chandra Grahan. It begins 9 hours before the eclipse for lunar eclipses. During Sutak, avoid cooking, eating, sleeping, and starting new ventures. Pregnant women should be especially careful. After the eclipse ends, take a bath and perform puja to cleanse and re-energize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandra Grahan 2026 date and time in India?

Chandra Grahan 2026 (lunar eclipse) occurs on March 3, 2026. This is a total lunar eclipse visible from India. The penumbral eclipse begins around 4:58 AM IST, the partial phase starts around 6:12 AM IST, and totality begins around 7:26 AM IST. The exact visibility depends on your location in India.

How many eclipses (grahan) are there in 2026?

In 2026, there are four eclipses: two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses. The lunar eclipses (Chandra Grahan) occur on March 3, 2026 and August 28, 2026. The solar eclipses (Surya Grahan) occur on February 17, 2026 (annular) and August 12, 2026. The March 3 lunar eclipse is visible from India.

What is the religious significance of Chandra Grahan?

In Hindu tradition, Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) is considered an inauspicious time associated with Rahu/Ketu (shadow planets) swallowing the Moon. Religious activities, major decisions, and eating are traditionally avoided during the Sutak period (a few hours before and during the eclipse). Temples may close during eclipse time.

What is Sutak Kaal for Chandra Grahan 2026?

Sutak Kaal for Chandra Grahan begins 9 hours before the eclipse starts. For the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse beginning around 4:58 AM IST, the Sutak would begin approximately from 7 PM on March 2, 2026. During Sutak, cooking, eating, and starting new work are avoided. Pregnant women, children, and elderly should take special precautions.

Can we eat during Chandra Grahan 2026?

Traditional Hindu practice advises against eating during Chandra Grahan. It is believed that the moon's radiation during eclipse can affect food and water. Many people fast during the eclipse and eat only after it ends. Some families place Kusha grass (Darbha) in food and water containers before Sutak to preserve their purity during the eclipse.

What should be done during Chandra Grahan?

During Chandra Grahan: Chant mantras, especially Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Vishnu Sahasranama. Take a bath before and after the eclipse. Donate food and clothes after the eclipse (eclipse charity/grahan daan). Perform japa and meditation. Pregnant women should avoid looking at the eclipse and stay indoors. Avoid sleeping during the eclipse.

Is watching the lunar eclipse safe?

Unlike solar eclipses, it is safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye. The Moon does not emit any harmful radiation during a lunar eclipse. However, from a traditional/religious perspective, Hindus traditionally avoid looking at the eclipsed moon and prefer to spend the time in prayer. Scientifically, watching a lunar eclipse is a beautiful astronomical event.

What is the astrological impact of Chandra Grahan 2026?

In Vedic astrology, eclipses falling near the natal Moon or on a sensitive point in the horoscope can bring significant changes. The March 3, 2026 eclipse occurs in a specific nakshatra, and those whose natal Moon or important planets are near that point may experience transformation. The effects can last 6-12 months. Consult a Vedic astrologer for personalized impact.

What remedies should be done after Chandra Grahan 2026?

After Chandra Grahan: Take a bath with gangajal or clean water, sprinkle gangajal throughout the house, perform puja and light a lamp, donate food, clothes, and money (grahan daan), chant Chandra mantra 'Om Chandraya Namah,' and consume the Sutak-fast-breaking meal. Performing these acts helps neutralize any negative effects of the eclipse.