Lunar Eclipse 2026 on Holi after 100 years: Check March 3 Chandra Grahan timings, Sutak period, when to celebrate Holika Dahan and more

Lunar Eclipse 2026 will occur on March 2, 2026, Tuesday and many places in India will be able to view the celestial event. Lunar Eclipse is coinciding with Holi 2026, a very prominent and auspicious festival of Hindus, a rare coincidence after 100 years. The overlap of Phalguna Purnima, Holi festivities, and a Total Lunar Eclipse on the same day creates a rare blend of cultural celebration and astronomical spectacle. It is considered inauspicious, when an eclipse takes place on Holi or any other festival.

According to ancient traditions, a 'Sutak' period of nine hours before the eclipse will be observed, during which auspicious activities are halted and temples are closed. Holika Dahan can be performed after the eclipse concludes.

Lunar Eclipse 2026 Date and Time

On March 3, the eclipse will start in the afternoon and end in the early evening. It will last for a few hours. The eclipse will start around 3:20 PM IST. Between 6:33 and 6:40 PM IST will be the best time to see the eclipse. The eclipse will end at 6:47 PM IST.


A Total Lunar Eclipse is a spectacular celestial event that occurs when the Earth completely blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. As the Moon passes through the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, it takes on a reddish hue, which is why it is often called a Super Blue Moon.

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Lunar Eclipse 2026: Sutak period date and time

The Sutak period will start nine hours before the lunar eclipse begins and it ends immediately once the eclipse is over. During this period, it is prohibited to touch the idols, and auspicious events should not be performed such as wedding, engagement, roka, griha pravesh, and other sacred events.

When to celebrate Holika Dahan?

Purnima Tithi of Lunar Eclipse:

Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:55 PM on Mar 02, 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:07 PM on Mar 03, 2026

Bhadra Kaal on Chandra Grahan

Bhadra Kaal Begins - March 2, 2026 - 05:58 PM

Bhadra Kaal Ends - March 3, 2026 - 5:30 AM

Sutak Kaal on Chandra Grahan

Sutak kaal begins - March 3, 2026 - 06:23 AM

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Why is this Chandra Grahan special?

The Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) will occur on March 3, 2026, from 03:20 PM to 06:47 PM. It is considered rare because the eclipse coincides with the Holi festival.

The Sutak period will begin nine hours before the eclipse and continue until it ends. The lunar eclipse will be visible for approximately 25–35 minutes in Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Northeast India.

What happens during the Sutak period?

Temples remain closed during this time.

Auspicious or religious ceremonies should be avoided.

Idols at home should be covered.

Tulsi leaves or kusha grass should be added to stored food items.

Sleeping during the Chandra Grahan is generally avoided.

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When is Holika Dahan?

Devotees will get two muhurats:

Morning Muhurat: 05:30 AM to 06:23 AM on March 3, 2026.

Evening Muhurat: After 06:47 PM, once the eclipse ends.

Holika Dahan puja should preferably be performed after 06:47 PM.

Kusha grass and Tulsi leaves can be added to the bonfire as part of rituals.