Sun Feb 22 14:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Chandra Grahan 2026: India to Witness Shortest Lunar Eclipse on March 3, 2026
The Story:
India is set to experience the first lunar eclipse of 2026 on March 3rd, which is also anticipated to be the shortest lunar eclipse of the year. The celestial event will occur when the moon is in the Leo zodiac sign and will be visible in India, making the ‘Sutak’ period relevant. While the eclipse will begin at 3:20 PM and end at 6:47 PM, the full phase (Kha gras Avastha) will start at 4:34 PM. Due to the timing of moonrise in India at approximately 6:22 PM, the eclipse will only be visible for about 25 minutes.
Key Points:
* The first lunar eclipse of 2026 falls on March 3, 2026, a Tuesday.
* The eclipse will be visible in India, hence the ‘Sutak’ period will be observed.
* The eclipse begins at 3:20 PM and ends at 6:47 PM, with the full phase starting at 4:34 PM.
* Moonrise in India is around 6:22 PM, making the eclipse visible for approximately 25 minutes.
* The ‘Sutak’ period commences 9 hours before the eclipse, starting at 6:20 AM on March 3rd.
* Traditional practices during the eclipse include refraining from auspicious activities, avoiding touching idols, and chanting mantras like “Om Somaya Namah” or “Om Chandraya Namah.”
Key Takeaways:
* The March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse is a significant event in India due to its visibility and the observance of traditional customs.
* The short duration of visibility emphasizes the importance of accurate timing for observers across different Indian cities.
* The article highlights the blend of scientific observation and religious beliefs surrounding celestial events in Indian culture.
First Piper 