Whenever a solar or lunar eclipse occurs in the universe, everyone on Earth is curious to know when, where, and at what time it will be visible. These days, the most searched question on the internet is, "At what time will the first solar eclipse of 2026 be visible in India?" (Surya Grahan 2026 Schedule in India).
If you are also confused by the various news reports on TV or social media and are looking for accurate timings and Sutak Kaal information, you have come to the right place. In today's detailed article, we will answer all your questions with accurate astronomical and astrological data. Let's find out the complete truth about the 2026 solar eclipse and its impact in India.
Will the First Solar Eclipse of 2026 Be Visible in India? (Truth and Myths)
The Solar Eclipse of February 17, 2026
Searching for 'Surya Grahan 2026' on Google often brings up misleading information. Let us tell you that the first solar eclipse of the year 2026 has already occurred on February 17, 2026 (Tuesday). It was an Annular Solar Eclipse, also known as a 'Ring of Fire'. However, the most important fact is that this solar eclipse was not visible in India at all. Its impact was mainly limited to parts of Antarctica and southern Africa.
The Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026
The second solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on August 12, 2026. This will be a Total Solar Eclipse. But according to Indian Standard Time, it will occur at night, so this August solar eclipse will also not be visible in India. The conclusion is that no solar eclipse occurring in 2026 is visible in India. Therefore, their Sutak Kaal will also not be valid in India.
So, Which Eclipse Will Be Visible in India? (March 3, 2026)
The First Total Lunar Eclipse of the Year (Blood Moon)
Even though the solar eclipse won't be visible in India, another massive and miraculous celestial event is going to happen in the sky. The first Total Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) of the year is going to occur on March 3, 2026 (Tuesday).
Occurring right around Holi, this eclipse has profound astrological significance. The good news is that this lunar eclipse will be visible in India. Therefore, its Sutak Kaal and religious rules will be fully observed across India.
March 3, 2026: Accurate Timing of the Lunar Eclipse in India
Panchang and Schedule
According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the detailed schedule for this lunar eclipse occurring on March 3 is given below:
Start of Partial Eclipse: 03:20 PM
Start of Total Lunar Eclipse (Totality): 04:34 PM
Maximum Eclipse (Peak): 05:03 PM
End of Total Eclipse: 05:32 PM
Complete End of the Eclipse: 06:48 PM
Visibility in India
Since this eclipse will start in the afternoon, the beginning of the eclipse will not be visible in most parts of India. When moonrise occurs in the evening, people in India will be able to see the final stages of this eclipse. The moon rises early in the northeastern states (Assam, West Bengal, etc.), so the red color of the eclipse (Blood Moon) will be more clearly visible there. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, it will be partially visible during moonrise after 6:20 PM.
Timing and Rules of Sutak Kaal in India
From When to When is the Sutak Kaal?
According to the scriptures, the Sutak Kaal of a lunar eclipse begins exactly 9 hours before the eclipse starts. Since the eclipse will become effective from 3:20 PM, its Sutak Kaal will begin early in the morning of March 3 at around 06:20 AM. The Sutak Kaal will end with the conclusion of the eclipse (at 06:48 PM).
Special Powerful Mantras to Chant During the Eclipse
Mantras for Mental Peace and Removing Doshas
Negative energy circulates in the atmosphere during the eclipse and Sutak Kaal. Touching idols is prohibited during this time, so mental chanting is the best remedy. To avoid the ill effects of the eclipse and strengthen your zodiac lord, you can chant any of the following mantras with a calm mind, according to your convenience:
Chandra Dev Beej Mantra: (For mental peace)
"Om Shram Shreem Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah"
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: (For health and protection)
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam. Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Maamritat"
Gayatri Mantra: (For positive energy)
"Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat"
Simple Shiva Mantra: (If chanting a long mantra is difficult)
"Om Namah Shivaya"
What to Do and What Not to Do During the Eclipse? (Do's and Don'ts)
Definitely Do These Positive Things (What to Do)
Place Tulsi leaves or Kusha grass in food and drink items (milk, curd, water) kept in the house even before the Sutak Kaal begins.
Mentally remember God during the eclipse period and chant the mantras given above.
After the eclipse ends, sprinkle Gangajal all over the house and cook fresh food.
Set aside donations of white items (rice, milk, sugar, or white clothes) according to your capacity and give them to someone in need the next day.
Strictly Avoid These Mistakes (What Not to Do)
Avoid eating and cooking from the start of the Sutak Kaal until the eclipse ends (the sick, elderly, and children are exempt).
Sleeping during an eclipse is considered harmful to health.
Strictly avoid starting any new auspicious work, business deals, or auspicious ceremonies during this time.
Special Precautions for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women need to be the most vigilant during this time. They should not step out of the house at all during the eclipse. The use of any sharp objects like needles, scissors, knives, etc., is strictly prohibited. Also, while resting, do not lie down with your arms and legs folded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many solar eclipses are there in 2026?
Answer: There are a total of two solar eclipses in 2026. The first has already occurred on February 17, and the second will occur on August 12, 2026. Neither will be visible in India.
Q2. When will the Sutak of the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse begin?
Answer: The Sutak of the lunar eclipse will begin 9 hours before the eclipse, around 06:20 AM on the morning of March 3.
Q3. Can we drink water during the eclipse?
Answer: A healthy person should avoid eating or drinking anything during the Sutak Kaal. If you are very thirsty, drink only the water in which a Tulsi leaf was placed beforehand.
Conclusion:
Even if the 2026 solar eclipse is not visible in India, the Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3 will have a profound impact on our lives. There is no need to fear the eclipse; rather, consider it a golden opportunity for worshipping God and chanting mantras. Keep visiting skillastro.in regularly for such accurate and detailed articles related to astrology, horoscopes, and Lal Kitab.