Solar Eclipse 2026 Ring of Fire LIVE updates: Surya Grahan time, Sutak Kaal and remedies to follow

According to astrological beliefs, the influence of a solar eclipse is considered to extend beyond the eclipse day itself. Its effects are said to begin 15 days before and continue for 15 days after, creating a roughly month-long period during which extra caution is traditionally advised.

The February 17 solar eclipse is falling on Falgun Amavasya, leading some to call it a rare alignment. However, this claim is incorrect. A solar eclipse always occurs on Amavasya, as it happens when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun during the new moon phase.

During a solar eclipse, devotees often spend time in prayer, mantra chanting, meditation and quiet reflection. Mentally repeating God’s name is considered beneficial. Charity and donations made during or after the eclipse are also believed to carry spiritual merit.

Many devotees chant Surya mantras during a solar eclipse as part of spiritual observance. Commonly recited chants include:

• Surya Beej Mantra — Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah
• Surya Mool Mantra — Om Ghrini Suryaya Namah or Om Hreem Ghrini Surya Adityah Shreem
• Surya Gayatri Mantra — Om Adityaya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dheemahi Tanno Surya Prachodayat

During a solar eclipse, pregnant women are traditionally advised to remain indoors and avoid activities like stitching, cutting or peeling. The use of sharp tools such as knives or scissors is also discouraged, as these precautions are rooted in cultural and belief-based practices.

It is a common traditional practice to place Tulsi leaves in cooked food before a solar or lunar eclipse. According to belief, Tulsi helps protect the food from negative effects associated with the eclipse, making it suitable for consumption once the Grahan ends.

Donations made after a solar eclipse are considered highly auspicious. Devotees often donate food items or daily-use essentials to the needy once the Grahan ends. Items associated with the Sun are especially favoured, including wheat, rice, lentils, jaggery, yellow fruits and copper articles.

During a solar eclipse or Surya Grahan, several activities are traditionally avoided. These include touching idols, performing religious rituals, beginning auspicious ceremonies such as housewarming, foundation laying or naming rituals, cooking or eating food, adding tempering to dishes, stitching work, and cutting hair or nails, as the Grahan period is considered inauspicious.

Sutak will not be considered applicable for the February 17 solar eclipse in India, as the eclipse will not be visible locally. According to astrological belief, Sutak is observed only where the eclipse is sighted. However, some devotees still choose to observe Sutak regardless of visibility.

A rare celestial alignment is set to coincide with the February 17 solar eclipse. On this day, a five-planet conjunction involving the Sun, Rahu, Mercury, Venus and the Moon will form in Aquarius. Astrologers note that a similar Panchgrahi Yog last occurred in 1989, making this a significant astrological event.

According to Indian Standard Time, the annular solar eclipse will begin at 3:26 pm on Tuesday and end at 7:58 pm, with a total duration of 4 hours and 32 minutes. Though the eclipse will not be visible in India, Sutak observances and related rituals are still being followed by many.