Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026: Sutak timings, puja vidhi, dos and don'ts during Surya Grahan

Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026: Sutak timings, puja vidhi, dos and don'ts during Surya Grahan

The annular solar eclipse, or Ring of Fire, on February 17, 2026, will not be visible in India. Thus, Sutak Kaal and related rituals are not applicable there. The eclipse will be seen in parts of Africa, Antarctica, and South America.

Did our AI summary help?

Surya Grahan 2026 will take place on February 17, marking the first Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026 of the year. This celestial event will be an annular solar eclipse, also known as the Ring of Fire eclipse, where the Sun appears as a glowing ring in the sky. As per astrological calculations, the eclipse will occur in Aquarius zodiac sign and Dhanishtha Nakshatra. Here is a complete guide to Surya Grahan 2026 date and time, Sutak Kaal, visibility in India, puja vidhi and important dos and don'ts.

Surya Grahan 2026 date and time in India

According to Indian Standard Time, the solar eclipse will begin at 3:26 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and end at 7:57 PM. The total duration of the eclipse will be 4 hours and 31 minutes. The peak phase of the Ring of Fire eclipse is expected between 5:13 PM and 6:11 PM.

Will Solar Eclipse February 17 be visible in India

This will be an annular solar eclipse. However, Surya Grahan 2026 will not be visible in India.

The eclipse will be visible in parts of Southern Africa, Antarctica and South America. Countries and regions likely to witness the event include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Mauritius, Botswana, Mozambique, Argentina and Chile.

Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, its religious impact in the country will be limited.

Surya Grahan 2026 sutak timings

Sutak Kaal is considered an inauspicious period that begins 12 hours before a solar eclipse. During this time, certain religious activities are avoided.

However, as the Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026 will not be visible in India, Sutak Kaal will not be applicable for Indian residents. Therefore, no religious restrictions related to Sutak will be observed in the country.

Puja vidhi during Surya Grahan

According to traditional beliefs, worship and temple rituals are generally paused during a solar eclipse. Devotees usually chant mantras and meditate instead of performing regular puja. Common spiritual practices during Surya Grahan include:

• Chanting Surya mantras
• Reciting sacred texts
• Offering prayers after the eclipse ends
• Taking a bath after the eclipse for purification

Since this annular solar eclipse is not visible in India, these practices are optional and based on personal belief.

Dos and don'ts during Solar Eclipse

Based on religious customs, the following guidelines are often followed during a solar eclipse:

• Avoid starting new or auspicious work during the eclipse
• Do not touch idols of deities during the eclipse period
• Avoid cooking and eating food during the eclipse
• Pregnant women, children and elderly people are advised to stay indoors
• Take a bath after the eclipse ends

These dos and don'ts are rooted in traditional beliefs and may vary across regions.

What is a 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse

A Ring of Fire eclipse is another name for an annular solar eclipse. It occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun but appears smaller in size due to its distance from Earth.

As a result, the Moon does not completely cover the Sun. Instead, a bright ring of sunlight remains visible around the edges. This glowing circular outline gives the appearance of a shining bracelet in the sky. There are three main types of solar eclipses:

• Total solar eclipse, when the Moon fully covers the Sun
• Partial solar eclipse, when only part of the Sun is covered
• Annular solar eclipse, when the Moon appears smaller and creates a ring like effect

Surya Grahan 2026: Significance

Astronomers predict that during this eclipse, nearly 96% of the Sun may be obscured in regions where the annular phase is visible. Although India will not witness the event directly, the Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026 remains one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year.

For observers in visible regions, the Ring of Fire eclipse will offer a rare and striking celestial display. For others, it remains an important astrological and spiritual moment, observed according to personal faith and tradition.