Chandra Grahan 2026: Sutak Kaal, Religious Significance and Timings in India

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The Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse), occurring on the 3rd of March, 2026, is one of the most talked-about astronomical phenomena of the year in India, not only in an astronomical context but also in cultural and spiritual contexts. The Lunar Eclipse is associated with many traditional beliefs, and people are curious about the time of Sutak Kaal, temple closure, and the dos and don'ts.

Here's a clear, easy breakdown of the eclipse timings in India and the associated Sutak period.

Photo Credit: Freepik

What Is Sutak Kaal?

In Hindu tradition, Sutak Kaal is an inauspicious period related to eclipses. The time of Sutak for the lunar eclipse is nine hours before the beginning of the eclipse till the end of the eclipse.

During the time of the lunar eclipse, the following practices are avoided by many families:

• Not cooking or eating fresh food
• Not performing auspicious functions
• Not starting new things
• Not going to the temple (as the temple is closed during the eclipse)

Practices vary across regions and households, and many people choose to observe them according to personal belief.

Chandra Grahan 2026: Sutak Time in India

For the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse, the commonly observed Sutak timings in India are:

• Sutak Begins: Around 6:20 AM IST
• Sutak Ends: Around 6:46 PM IST (when the eclipse concludes)
• As per tradition, Sutak starts nine hours before the eclipse begins and continues until it ends.

Lunar Eclipse 2026: Timings in India

Photo Credit: Freepik

Based on the astronomical calculation, the phases of the eclipses are expected as follows:

• Eclipse Begins: Around 3:20 PM IST
• Maximum Eclipse: Around 6:33 PM - 6:40 PM IST
• Eclipse Ends: Around 6:46-6:47 PM IST
• Since the Moon rises in the evening, many regions will be able to view the eclipses during the later visible phase, close to moonrise.

Will It Be Visible in India?

Yes, the lunar eclipse can be seen from all over India, mainly during the evening hours. It might vary slightly from city to city based on the time the moon rises. In the eastern part of India, the time might be slightly longer compared to the western part.

Unlike the solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, and no special viewing glasses are needed.

Religious Significance and Observances

Traditionally, people observing Sutak may:

• Avoid consuming food during the eclipse
• Chant mantras or engage in prayer
• Take a ritual bath after the eclipse ends
• Discard food prepared before Sutak began
• Temples in certain regions may temporarily close during the eclipse and reopen after purification rituals.

A Celestial and Cultural Event

No matter whether viewed from a spiritual standpoint, as a religious experience, or just stepping outside and gazing upon the change in the Moon's colour, Chandra grahan remains one of the most intriguing phenomena that can be viewed with the naked eye.