Thu Mar 13 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Total Lunar Eclipse on Holi: A Blood Moon Visible in Parts of the World, but Not India

**New Delhi, [Date of Publication]** – A total lunar eclipse, coinciding with Holi, will occur on March 14, 2025. This “blood moon” eclipse, which will be visible as a total lunar eclipse in parts of the world, will not be visible from India.

The eclipse will begin at 9:29 AM and conclude at 3:29 PM IST, lasting a total of 6 hours and 2 minutes. The period of totality, when the moon will appear reddish, will be from 11:29 AM to 1:01 PM IST. However, this celestial event will be visible in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

Because the eclipse is not visible from India, the associated Sutak period (a period of inauspiciousness preceding an eclipse) will not be observed in India. Traditionally, during Sutak, certain religious activities and rituals are avoided.

The red coloration of the “blood moon” occurs because sunlight is refracted and scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere, casting a reddish hue on the moon during a total lunar eclipse.

Astrologically, the eclipse is predicted to have varied effects on different zodiac signs. While it is considered auspicious for Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and Scorpio, it is deemed inauspicious for Leo, Libra, and Capricorn. Various do’s and don’ts are associated with the eclipse period by some, including avoiding anger, consuming food, undertaking new ventures, and engaging in sexual activity. Recommended practices include chanting mantras, donating to the needy, and purifying the home after the eclipse.

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