Lunar Eclipses in 2026 - Overview
In 2026, there will be 2 lunar eclipses (Chandra Grahan). The September eclipse will be fully visible in India, making sutak observance important.
| Date | Type | Visible in India | Sutak Applicable |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 3, 2026 | Total | Partial | Yes (where visible) |
| September 7, 2026 | Partial | Full | Yes (all India) |
First Lunar Eclipse - March 3, 2026
Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)
TOTAL PARTIAL VISIBILITY IN INDIA
| Timing Details (IST) | |
|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse Begins | 8:21 AM IST |
| Partial Eclipse Begins | 9:30 AM IST |
| Total Eclipse Begins | 10:50 AM IST |
| Maximum Eclipse | 11:34 AM IST |
| Total Eclipse Ends | 12:18 PM IST |
| Partial Eclipse Ends | 1:38 PM IST |
| Penumbral Eclipse Ends | 2:47 PM IST |
| Total Duration | 6 hours 26 minutes |
Sutak Period
Lunar Eclipse Sutak starts 9 hours before eclipse:
- Sutak Start: March 2, 11:21 PM IST
- Sutak End: After bath when eclipse ends
Note: Only the beginning penumbral phase visible in Eastern India as moon sets.
Visibility in Indian Cities
Moon sets during eclipse in most of India. Eastern regions may see early phases.
Second Lunar Eclipse - September 7, 2026
Partial Lunar Eclipse
PARTIAL FULLY VISIBLE IN INDIA
| Timing Details (IST) | |
|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse Begins | 9:20 PM IST |
| Partial Eclipse Begins | 10:42 PM IST |
| Maximum Eclipse | 11:43 PM IST |
| Partial Eclipse Ends | 12:44 AM IST (Sep 8) |
| Penumbral Eclipse Ends | 2:06 AM IST (Sep 8) |
| Magnitude | 0.918 (91.8% of moon in shadow) |
Sutak Period
Important: This eclipse is fully visible in India. Sutak must be observed.
- Sutak Start: September 7, 12:20 PM IST (9 hours before)
- Sutak End: September 8, after ritual bath post 2:06 AM
Visibility in Indian Cities
Excellent visibility across all of India. Best viewing around 11:43 PM IST.
Mantras for Lunar Eclipse
Chandra Gayatri Mantra (108 times)
"Om Chandraya Vidmahe Nakshatra Rajaya Dhimahi Tanno Soma Prachodayat"
ॐ चन्द्राय विद्महे नक्षत्र राजाय धीमहि तन्नो सोम प्रचोदयात्
Chandra Beej Mantra
"Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah"
ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्राय नमः
Rahu Mantra (to reduce eclipse effects)
"Om Rahave Namah" or "Om Raam Rahave Namah"
ॐ राहवे नमः
Precautions During Lunar Eclipse
Pregnant Women
- Stay indoors during eclipse
- Do not use sharp objects
- Chant mantras or prayers
- Rest and avoid stress
Food Rules
- Do not eat during sutak
- Add tulsi/kusha to water
- Discard food cooked before eclipse
- Raw fruits may be consumed
Difference: Total vs Partial Lunar Eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse
Moon passes completely through Earth's umbral shadow. Moon turns red ("Blood Moon"). March 2026 eclipse is total but poorly visible in India.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Part of Moon enters Earth's umbral shadow. September 2026 eclipse covers 91.8% of moon - nearly total and fully visible in India.
Effects on Zodiac Signs
March eclipse occurs in Virgo, September eclipse in Pisces. Effects vary by moon sign.
Get Personalized Lunar Eclipse Analysis
Know how Chandra Grahan 2026 will affect your specific birth chart