Lunar Eclipse 2026 LIVE Updates: Sutak Kaal in effect; check Chandra Grahan start and end timings

Many devotees use the eclipse window for prayer and mantra chanting, seeing it as a time for heightened spiritual focus. Reciting sacred mantras during the lunar eclipse is believed to bring mental clarity, calm and protection from negative influences.

Here are some commonly chanted mantras during Chandra Grahan:

• Om Namah Shivaya
• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
• Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah
• Sarva Mangal Maangalyayei Sharanyayei Triyambike Gauri Narayani Namostute
• Om Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapalini Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute
• Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Chanting with focus and a calm mind is considered more important than the number of repetitions. Many also choose to meditate quietly after recitation.

The Chandra Grahan 2026 will begin at 3:20 pm and conclude at 6:46 pm, making the total duration approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes. During this period, the Moon will move through its eclipse phases before returning to its usual brightness.

In India, the eclipse will be visible after 5:59 pm, depending on local sky conditions. Viewers in areas with clear horizons are likely to catch the later stages of the eclipse as the Moon rises and becomes visible in the evening sky.

Some astrologers are describing the March 3 lunar eclipse as a karmic checkpoint. With the Moon aligned with Ketu, the focus in traditional astrology shifts towards themes of accountability, detachment and moral clarity. Ketu is often associated with past actions and unresolved patterns, while the Moon represents the mind and emotions.

In that sense, this eclipse is being framed as a time to pause and reflect. If you feel aligned with your values and actions, the period may bring a sense of relief or quiet progress. If there are unresolved conflicts, guilt or questionable decisions lingering in the background, this could be a moment to acknowledge them and course-correct. In spiritual terms, it is less about fear and more about awareness.

There is a separate consideration during Sutak for children, elderly individuals, those who are unwell and pregnant women. Traditional beliefs allow relaxation of stricter rules for these groups, recognising that health and comfort come first.

They may eat, drink or take medicines as required during the day. The more restrictive Sutak observance for them is believed to begin about three and a half hours before the lunar eclipse ends. Accordingly, today it is considered to start at 3:16 pm. Even then, practical needs and medical advice take priority over ritual observance.

The eclipse period is often viewed in spiritual traditions as a powerful time for inner focus and reflection. Rather than engaging in routine activities, many people choose to turn their attention inward.

Commonly recommended practices during Grahan time include chanting mantras, reading sacred texts and spending time in meditation. Some prefer to observe silence and avoid negative thoughts, using the eclipse window as an opportunity for mental clarity and spiritual discipline.

From a traditional religious perspective, routine household tasks such as washing clothes, cooking, sweeping or mopping are generally avoided during the eclipse period. The use of sharp or mechanical objects, including knives and scissors, is also considered inauspicious at this time.

It is believed that the eclipse window is not favourable for regular domestic activities. Devotees are advised to complete essential tasks before Sutak begins or wait until the eclipse period has ended before resuming such work.

Astrological interpretations suggest that this lunar eclipse is occurring in Leo, which means the strongest influence is expected on this sign. Since Aquarius lies directly opposite Leo in the zodiac, it is also considered significantly affected during this eclipse.

Those belonging to Leo and Aquarius are advised to remain cautious today. It is recommended to avoid making major financial decisions or entering into important deals. Staying away from arguments and unnecessary disputes is also advised. Extra care while driving and maintaining harmony with partners and colleagues is encouraged.

After the eclipse concludes, people across all zodiac signs are traditionally advised to take a bath, purify the home with holy water and offer prayers to their chosen deities.

Sutak began at 6:20 am on March 3 and will end along with the lunar eclipse at 6:46 pm. During this period, traditional belief advises avoiding Holi-related preparations, including cooking or organising festive arrangements.

After the eclipse concludes, devotees are advised to take a bath and purify the home, often by sprinkling holy water. Only then should Holi food preparations begin. It is commonly believed that food prepared during the eclipse may carry negative influence. For this reason, many households place tulsi leaves or sacred grass in stored food items to symbolically protect them during the eclipse window.

During the lunar eclipse, many devotees turn to prayer and recitation for spiritual comfort. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa during the eclipse is traditionally considered highly auspicious and spiritually powerful. It is believed to help maintain mental calm and protect against negative influences associated with the eclipse period.

Along with the Hanuman Chalisa, some devotees also choose to recite the Sundarkand for added spiritual strength and focus. Such practices are rooted in faith and are followed by those seeking peace and positivity during the eclipse window.

Astrological interpretations suggest that during this lunar eclipse, the Moon is aligned with Ketu, while also receiving influences from the Sun, Mercury and Mars. The eclipse is taking place in Leo, a fire sign in the zodiac.

In traditional astrology, a Moon-Ketu conjunction combined with the influence of Mars and Rahu is associated with a strong fire element. Such alignments are often interpreted as indicating heightened tensions, instability or intensified disputes in different parts of the world.

According to NASA, the full lunar eclipse on March 3 will turn the Moon a deep red during totality, creating a striking Blood Moon effect. The colour change happens as the Earth’s shadow fully covers the Moon.

On March 8, Venus and Saturn will appear very close together in the night sky. Later, March 20 marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, making March 2026 an eventful month for skywatchers.

This year’s lunar eclipse is falling on Phalguna Purnima, the same tithi traditionally associated with Holika Dahan. According to astrological beliefs, rituals performed during an active eclipse are generally avoided. However, there is no lasting negative impact once the eclipse concludes.

The lunar eclipse on March 3 will end at 6:46 pm. After this time, both the eclipse influence and Bhadra considerations are no longer in effect. Those planning to perform Holika Dahan on March 3 can do so after the eclipse ends. The following day, March 4, colour celebrations can be enjoyed without hesitation.

Astrological readings suggest this lunar eclipse forms a link between Mars, Rahu and Ketu, a combination often associated with heightened tension and instability. Some interpretations point towards increased conflict, political shifts or leadership changes globally.

Such predictions are based on traditional astrology and tend to attract attention during major celestial events like a lunar eclipse.

During the Sutak period and the lunar eclipse, certain groups are traditionally advised to take extra care. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, young children and those who are unwell are generally given some relaxation in following strict observances, recognising that health and comfort come first.

They may eat or drink if required, especially for medical or practical reasons. However, it is advisable to avoid stepping out unless necessary and to stay away from any potentially risky activities. The use of sharp or pointed objects is traditionally discouraged during the eclipse period. Visiting isolated or deserted places is also not recommended. Above all, personal safety and well-being should remain the priority.

Chandra Grahan begins – 3:20 pm
Chandra Grahan ends – 6:46 pm
Total lunar eclipse – 4:34 pm to 5:33 pm

With Sutak Kaal now in effect, devotees are advised to observe certain traditional guidelines during this period. As per religious beliefs, worship rituals are generally paused once Sutak begins, and idols of deities should not be touched. Auspicious and ceremonial activities are considered inauspicious during this time.

It is also advised to avoid cutting hair, nails or shaving during the Sutak period. Cooking and consuming freshly prepared food is traditionally discouraged, and many people prefer to eat only food prepared before Sutak began. Limiting social interactions and avoiding unnecessary outings is also recommended until the Grahan concludes.

Sutak Kaal begins nine hours before the start of a lunar eclipse. Based on this calculation, the Sutak period came into effect at 6:20 am on March 3, and is currently under way.

The Sutak period will remain in effect until the eclipse concludes later in the day. According to religious scriptures, Sutak holds special significance and is observed with certain restrictions. Auspicious and ceremonial activities are generally avoided during this time, and many devotees follow specific guidelines until the Grahan ends.

In India, moonrise on March 3 is expected at around 6:26 pm. This means the lunar eclipse is likely to become visible in various parts of the country shortly after the Moon rises above the horizon.

According to the projected schedule, the eclipse will be visible from around 6:26 pm and may continue until approximately 6:46 pm in the evening. The exact duration and clarity of visibility could vary slightly depending on local conditions and the observer’s location.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in several major cities across India, allowing skywatchers to witness the celestial event from different parts of the country. According to initial visibility projections, the Chandra Grahan can be seen in Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Kohima and Itanagar, subject to local weather conditions.

Experts advise residents in these cities to check precise local timings for the start and peak of the eclipse, as visibility may vary slightly by region. Clear skies will offer the best opportunity to observe the different phases of the lunar eclipse.

The first lunar eclipse of the year will be visible across large parts of the world, including India, much of Asia, Australia and Africa. Skywatchers in these regions are expected to witness the different phases of the Chandra Grahan, subject to local weather conditions.

The eclipse will also be visible in North and South America, as well as over the Pacific Ocean. Visibility and the extent of the eclipse may vary by location, so viewers are advised to check local timings for the best viewing experience.

A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves completely into the Earth’s shadow. This occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the lunar surface.

During this phase, the Moon appears coppery or reddish in colour, a phenomenon often referred to as a “Blood Moon”. The red hue is caused by sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.