Chandra Grahan Today 3 March 2026: Total Lunar Eclipse Timing & Visibility in India

A rare astronomical event — Chandra Grahan (Total Lunar Eclipse) — is taking place today, 3 March 2026, visible across large parts of India. This celestial spectacle coincides with the Holi festival and is being widely watched by sky enthusiasts, devotees and astronomy lovers.

According to astronomical and national news updates, the first total lunar eclipse of 2026 is occurring on March 3, during which the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon and causing a “Blood Moon” effect where the Moon appears reddish.

Chandra Grahan Timings in India (Local)

• Sutak Period Begins: Around early morning today, as tradition dictates, inauspicious period or Sutak began well before the eclipse and will continue until the event ends.

• Eclipse Start: 3:20 pm IST — Partial phase begins.

• Totality Period: Around early evening hours (approx. 5:10 pm to 5:32 pm IST) when the Moon will be deep in Earth’s shadow and may display a reddish hue.

• Eclipse End: Approximately 6:45-6:47 pm IST.

In many Indian cities, the Moon will rise already during the eclipse’s later stages, meaning partial visibility of the phenomenon is expected shortly after moonrise in eastern sky after sunset.

What Makes Today’s Lunar Eclipse Special

• This eclipse coincides with Holi festivities, creating a rare celestial and cultural conjunction.

• The lunar eclipse today is the first total eclipse of 2026 and — according to astronomers — the last such event visible until 2029, making it a notable event for sky watchers.

Scientific and Cultural Highlights

• During totality, Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight toward the Moon, giving it a reddish appearance — popularly called a “Blood Moon.”

• The lunar eclipse forms when the Sun, Earth and Moon align in a straight line, with Earth blocking direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.

• Both scientific communities and religious observers consider this an important event, with traditional beliefs in Sutak and precautions to be observed during the eclipse.

Viewing Guidelines

• No special solar viewing glasses are needed — the lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye safely.

• Find a clear eastern horizon after sunset for the best visual experience during later stages.

• Weather conditions may affect visibility in some regions.

Today’s Chandra Grahan offers a rare fusion of science and tradition, aligning one of the year’s major celestial events with cultural festivities across India.