Lunar Eclipse 2026: Know Date, Time, When 'Blood Moon' Will Be Visible in India?

New Delhi: This year Holi has become something different and attention-grabbing because a lunar eclipse is also occurring on the same day. This rare astronomical event is happening on Tuesday. Many people are confused whether Holi will be celebrated on March 3 or 4. The main reason for this confusion this year is that a lunar eclipse is occurring on the full moon of Phalguna.

What does the Hindu calender say?

According to the Hindu calendar, Holika Dahan is performed on the night of the full moon in the month of Phalguna, and the festival of colors, Holi, is celebrated the following day, also on the full moon of Phalguna. There is considerable confusion among people regarding the date of Holi in 2026.

According to astrological calculations, this year, the Holi will not be celebrated on March 3 but on March 4 due to a lunar eclipse occurring on the full moon of Phalguna.

What is the Sutak timing?

The time before the lunar eclipse, called Sutak period, will start from 3:30 pm  and last till 6:46 pm.

According to religious beliefs, auspicious works, worship or celebrations should be avoided during this entire period as this time is considered inauspicious. 

Astrologers suggest to chant the God name during this period, which is said to be the best solution to avoid the effects during and after the eclipse and a time to increase positivity.

Why is the coincidence of Holi and an eclipse unique?

This rare event is happening with Holika Dahan in the year 2026. A lunar eclipse is taking place on March 3, which will be visible in sun signs like Leo. 

The combination of eclipse and Holi is considered very important from astrological and religious points of view because such a coincidence is rarely seen.

Why won't Holi be celebrated on March 3?

March 3 is the day of Phalguna Purnima, but a lunar eclipse is also occurring on this day. According to scriptures, no auspicious work is done during an eclipse and the subsequent Sutak period. Therefore, playing Holi with colors on March 3 is not considered appropriate. This is why most astrologers are advising to celebrate Holi on March 4.

Where will the lunar eclipse be visible?

This lunar eclipse will be visible in India, as well as in East Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and parts of America. In India, only the last part of the eclipse, i.e., the end of the eclipse, will be visible, not the entire duration. The fact that the end of the eclipse will be visible after moonrise has also contributed to the confusion regarding the date of Holi.