The first total lunar eclipse of 2026 will be held on 3rd March 2026. One of the most exciting events of march and it is a very great opportunity for the skywatchers to observe this great celestial event. The lunar eclipse will start from 3:20 PM to 6:47 PM. During this time, the Moon may appear dimmer or take on a reddish hue. This reddish appearance is often called a “Blood Moon.” Lunar eclipses take place a few times every year somewhere in the world. But we in India do not get to see each one of them. That is why this one feels a little more special for us.
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date in India
In 2026, two major lunar eclipses are expected globally. However, visibility in India depends on timing and whether the Moon is above the horizon during the event.The most significant lunar eclipse visible in India is expected on March 3, 2026. Another eclipse later in the year may not be fully visible from India.
Lunar Eclipse 2026 Time in India
The exact timing will vary slightly by city, but generally, the eclipse phases will include:
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 4.58 pm IST
- Total eclipse: 4.58 pm IST
- Partial eclipse ends: 5.32 pm IST
- Penumbral eclipse ends: 7.53 pm IST
The key moment most people wait for is the maximum eclipse, when the Moon is deepest in Earth’s shadow. Since India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), viewers should check local astronomical updates closer to the date for precise timings in their city.
Will this Total Lunar Eclipse be visible in India?
Yes, the March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse will be visible from India, but with a small catch. The eclipse will begin earlier in the day, and by the time the Moon rises in most Indian cities, it will already be in Earth’s shadow. This means you may not see the entire eclipse from start to finish, but you will be able to witness the most beautiful and dramatic phase shortly after moonrise in the evening. If the sky is clear, people across many parts of the country will get to see the Moon appearing darker and possibly glowing in a reddish shade, making it a special sight worth stepping outside for.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance in IndiaIn India a lunar eclipse often holds emotional and spiritual meaning. Many elders suggest fasting during this time. Some families avoid cooking or eating, and after the eclipse ends, they bathe as a way to feel cleansed and renewed. In many places, temples close during the eclipse and reopen later, symbolizing a fresh start.
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