Chandra Grahan 2026 highlights: Lunar eclipse ends, spectacular Blood Moon was visible worldwide

The total lunar eclipse has officially ended. The Moon has completely emerged from Earth’s penumbral shadow and regained its normal full brightness. The entire event lasted 5 hours and 39 minutes from beginning to end.

Following the lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026, skywatchers in India can look forward to the next significant events:

• 20 February 2027: A penumbral lunar eclipse.
• 2 August 2027: A partial solar eclipse, where only a portion of the Sun will be obscured.
• 2028 and 2029: Additional solar and lunar eclipses are scheduled, offering more opportunities to witness these celestial phenomena.

The Moon has fully emerged from Earth’s inner shadow. The dramatic dark portion has disappeared, leaving only a faint penumbral shading. The most visually striking phase of the eclipse has now ended.

In Hindu tradition, Sutak is observed only when the Umbral Lunar Eclipse is visible in a specific location.

• Sutak Begins: 09:39 AM IST
• Sutak Ends: 06:46 PM IST
• Sutak for Children, Elderly, and Sick: 03:28 PM to 06:46 PM IST
  It is important to note that Sutak Kaal has now ended. If the eclipse is not visible in your city, Sutak is not observed there. Penumbral eclipses, which are not visible to the naked eye, are generally not considered for religious observance.

In India, the viewing window is short but stunning. In Delhi and surrounding areas, totality is currently underway, reaching its peak around 18:27 IST. The eclipse will remain visible until approximately 18:47 IST, depending on the clarity of the horizon. Cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and others are seeing at least a portion of the total lunar eclipse, while darker rural locations offer even more striking views.

Once the Lunar Eclipse 2026 ends, certain rituals are traditionally recommended.

• Take a Purifying Bath: Bathing after the eclipse is considered essential to cleanse negative energies. Wear fresh, clean clothes afterward.
• Clean the Home and Prayer Area: Sprinkle Ganga Jal or clean water in the house and especially in the puja area.
  Offer Prayers and Chant Mantras: Chanting during and after Chandra Grahan is believed to give powerful spiritual benefits.
  Donate to the Needy: Daan reduces the inauspicious effects of the eclipse. Donate rice, white clothes, sugar or money according to your ability.
• Prepare Fresh Food: Discard food prepared before the eclipse if required and cook fresh meals after cleansing.
  Maintain Mental Calmness: Avoid arguments or major decisions during the eclipse. After it ends, focus on positivity and clarity.
• Perform Tulsi Puja: Offering prayers to Tulsi is considered highly auspicious after a lunar eclipse.
  Resume Daily Activities Mindfully: Return to regular routine with a calm and balanced mindset.

According to Hindu beliefs, eclipses are linked to the story of Lord Vishnu and the asura Rahu. It is believed that Rahu periodically swallows the Moon, leading to Chandra Grahan.

However, religious observances are performed only if the eclipse is visible in that specific region. If the Moon is below the horizon or the eclipse is purely penumbral, rituals are generally not observed. Precautions like avoiding food during Sutak, chanting mantras, and temple closures are followed only when the eclipse is clearly visible in the city.

Read More: When does sutak begin and end? check full details

Totality has concluded, and a thin, bright sliver of moonlight is beginning to reappear as the Moon slowly emerges from Earth’s umbra. While the Blood Moon fades, this is the perfect moment to keep watching—the silvery crescent glows along one edge. Over the next hour, the crescent will gradually expand, sweeping across the lunar surface, almost like witnessing all the phases of the Moon unfold in just minutes.

Delhi residents can get ready to witness the Blood Moon at 6:22 PM IST.

Residents of Noida will be able to witness this spectacular celestial event at 6:20 PM IST.

In India, only the final phase of the eclipse will be visible. Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai can observe it between 6:20 PM and 6:30 PM IST.

In India, the visible window is brief but spectacular. In Delhi and nearby regions, the totality stage is now in progress, with maximum visibility around 18:27 IST. Observers can catch the eclipse until 18:47 IST, depending on horizon clarity. Cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and others are witnessing at least part of the total lunar eclipse, while darker rural skies provide even better contrast.

The Blood Moon is currently visible in many parts of the world. In North America, totality can be seen in the early morning, peaking around 6:33 AM EST. East Asia, including Tokyo, is witnessing the eclipse in the evening, from 8:04 PM to 9:02 PM JST. In Australia, cities like Sydney are observing totality between 10:04 PM and 11:02 PM AEDT. Meanwhile, regions in South America and Central Asia are experiencing only the partial phases of the eclipse.

The eclipse has now reached its peak, with the Moon positioned near the center of Earth’s shadow, shining in its deepest, most vivid red of the entire event.

Witnessing the eclipse? Here are simple and safe experiments to explore the science of the Moon from home:

North-East India will witness the lunar eclipse earlier than the rest of the country. Dibrugarh is expected to see the event begin at 5:09 PM, followed by Imphal at 5:15 PM, Shillong at 5:23 PM and Guwahati at 5:24 PM. Owing to their eastern location, these cities are likely to experience a longer visible duration of the eclipse, including portions of totality.

Attention, skywatchers—totality has begun! The Moon is now completely inside Earth’s deepest shadow, the umbra, and sunlight bending through our atmosphere is casting a striking red glow.

Witness the breathtaking Blood Moon phase! Totality will continue for 58 minutes, so find a comfortable spot and enjoy the celestial spectacle. Watch it live here.

The lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026 will last approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes, reach its peak around 17:46 IST, and conclude by 19:58 IST, making it one of the longer eclipse events visible today.

The Sutak period begins several hours before the lunar eclipse. During this time:

• Avoid cooking or eating food.
• Pregnant women, children and elderly individuals may eat if necessary.
• Add Tulsi (holy basil) leaves to cooked food before Sutak begins.
• Avoid starting new or important activities.

Do’s

• Chant mantras and pray
• Practice silence and meditation
• Donate to the needy after the eclipse
• Pregnant women should remain indoors and follow precautions

Don’ts

• Avoid eating during the Sutak period
• Do not start new ventures
• Avoid sharp tools and heavy physical work

As the Moon gradually moves into the umbra, its shadow will initially appear dark gray—but don’t blink, it won’t stay that way! As totality nears, starting at 6:04 a.m. EST (11:04 GMT), the eclipsed section will begin to glow with a coppery, rusty tint.

For viewers in New Zealand, observing the Moon from the opposite side of Earth compared to the U.S., the lunar disk appears rotated. This makes the deepening partial eclipse look “upside down,” with Earth’s shadow covering the opposite side of the Moon.

While traditionally considered sensitive, eclipses are also viewed as powerful windows for transformation. During Chandra Grahan 2026, one can:

• Perform mantra japa
• Meditate for emotional clarity
• Add Tulsi leaves to bath water for purification
• Offer Tarpan (water libations) for ancestors
  These practices are believed to help release emotional burdens and karmic patterns

State-wise Expected Time of Lunar Eclipse Visibility

The lunar eclipse on March 3 will be visible across India, although exact viewing times vary slightly from city to city. Most regions will see the eclipse around moonrise in the evening.

To reduce negative effects of the lunar eclipse, the following remedies are advised:

Mantra Chanting

• Chandra Beej Mantra:Om Shram Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah

Donation (Daan)

Offer the following items after the eclipse:

• White clothes
• Rice
• Milk or curd
• Sugar
• Camphor
• Abhishekam and Homam
  Performing Chandra Grahan Dosh Nivaran Homam or offering milk Abhishekam to Lord Shiva is considered beneficial.

As the eclipse falls in Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, natives born under the following stars should take extra care:

• Bharani Nakshatra
• Magha Nakshatra
• Purva Phalguni Nakshatra
• Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra
• Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
  For them, chanting mantras and observing spiritual discipline during the grahan is recommended.

Since the eclipse takes place in Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi), its effects will vary for each zodiac sign. However, some Rashis may feel stronger influence.

• Rashis Likely to Be Affected
• Makar Rashi (Capricorn)
• Kanya Rashi (Virgo)
• Simha Rashi (Leo)
• Vrishabha Rashi (Taurus)
  These signs may experience emotional fluctuations, decision-making pressure or changes in personal and professional life.

Read More: Check remedies, and effects of Grahan on your zodiac sign

The Sutak period begins several hours before the lunar eclipse. During this time:

• Avoid cooking or eating food.
• Pregnant women, children and elderly individuals may eat if necessary.
• Add Tulsi (holy basil) leaves to cooked food before Sutak begins.
• Avoid starting new or important activities.
• These traditional practices are followed to maintain spiritual discipline during the eclipse.

To witness the eclipse as it progresses, skywatchers should look toward the eastern horizon soon after moonrise, which offers the best opportunity for a clear and memorable view.

The lunar eclipse will be visible across several regions, including Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa. In India, however, observers are likely to miss the peak phase, with only the final stage of the eclipse expected to be visible after moonrise.

The lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 will last approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes. It will begin at 15:20 IST, reach its peak around 17:46 IST, and conclude by 19:58 IST, making it one of the longer eclipse events visible today.

The 03 March 2026 lunar eclipse is part of Saros Cycle 113, a recurring eclipse family that repeats every 18 years, 11 days and 8 hours. The Saros series follows a predictable pattern, progressing from partial eclipses to total eclipses and then gradually returning to partial phases again.

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow. During totality, sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light and allows red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon, giving it a striking reddish glow.

Safety Tips and How to Watch

• A lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye, unlike a solar eclipse which requires protective filters.
• Choose a clear evening with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for the best experience.
• Use binoculars or a small telescope to observe the Moon’s changing colours and surface details more clearly.
• Select an open location away from city lights and pollution for sharper visibility.
• If outdoor viewing is not possible, watch live broadcasts by scientific organisations and space agencies.

Yes, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, no protective glasses or special equipment are required to view it.

The total lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 will be visible across much of Asia, Australia, the Pacific region and the Americas, allowing observers in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, New Zealand and Russia to witness the Blood Moon. Some regions in Africa and Europe may not see it fully due to moonset or horizon timing.

Scientists predict the eclipse dates by calculating the precise positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon using orbital mechanics and gravitational laws. An eclipse occurs only when a Full Moon or New Moon aligns closely with the Moon’s orbital nodes. With the help of mathematical models and cycles such as the 18-year Saros cycle, scientists can forecast eclipses decades or even centuries in advance with second-level accuracy.

Ancient Indian astronomers used mathematical texts like the "Surya Siddhanta" to calculate the movements of the Sun and Moon and predict when their alignments would cause a Chandra Grahan. In 499 CE, Aryabhata correctly explained that a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon and not due to mythology. Using advanced mathematics and trigonometry, scholars like Brahmagupta refined these calculations with impressive accuracy over 1,500 years ago.

A Blood Moon happens during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon. Instead of going completely dark, the Moon turns red. The Moon glows red because it is lit by all the sunrises and sunsets happening on Earth at that moment. NASA explain that this red colour occurs due to Rayleigh scattering. It is the same process that make the sky blue during the day.

The answer is no. Research suggests that some night-active animals may respond to the sudden drop in brightness. However, these changes are subtle and short-lived. Once the Moon returns to normal brightness, animals' behaviour typically resumes as usual. There is no scientific proof that lunar eclipses cause lasting harm to animals. The event is gradual often lasting several hours giving wildlife time to adjust.

As Chandra Grahan 2026 unfolds, "atmospheric refraction" will subtly shape what we see in the sky. Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, allowing some rays to reach the Moon even during totality. This bending filter out blue light and paints the Moon in its iconic reddish “Blood Moon” glow.

Near the horizon, refraction can also make the eclipsed Moon appear slightly higher than its true position. During this event, the invisible atmospheric effect will be the reason the darkened Moon still shines in deep crimson hues.

Something spectacular will unfold in the sky today. A total lunar eclipse will coincide with sunrise in some parts of the world. This means skywatchers may witness a blood-red Moon and a rising Sun at the same time. The atmospheric refraction will make it visible. This rare pairing of events marks one of the most unusual sky shows of the year. To catch the blood moon and sunrise together, aim for roughly, 6:04 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. EST.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in several Indian cities tomorrow, giving skywatchers a rare opportunity to watch the Moon move through Earth’s shadow without any special equipment. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are expected to witness the event.

Read More: Complete List of City-Wise Visibility Timings in India

Lunar Eclipse: How to watch?

1. When the sky is clear and you can see the eastern horizon and it is the ideal time for you to witness this.

2. You can view the Moon's shifting phases and colors more vividly if you have binoculars or a small telescope.

3. Choose a spot that is open and far from city lights for the finest view. The place should be pollution free.

Many scientific organizations and space services are anticipated to provide live streaming of the event for those who are unable to attend in person.

The 03 March 2026 total lunar eclipse will be visible in several US cities during early morning hours.

Chandra Grahan 2026 is set to be a powerful Total Lunar Eclipse, known in Vedic astrology as Khagrasa Grastodaya Chandra Grahan. According to Hindu astrology, a lunar eclipse is not just an astronomical event but a deeply spiritual phenomenon that influences zodiac signs (Rashis), Nakshatras and emotional energies.

Read More: Here is a complete guide covering the Chandra Grahan 2026 date, timings, astrological effects, remedies, do’s and don’ts.

Read More: Check how the Chandra Grahan affects your life path number

The eclipse aligns with the vibrant Holi celebrations, bringing a unique cultural dimension to the astronomical spectacle as families come together to celebrate and look up at the night sky.

Read More: Chandra Grahan on Holi 2026: Can you play colors during Grahan sutak kaal?

A total lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 will turn the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon” as it passes through Earth’s umbral shadow. Sunlight filtering through the atmosphere gives it a red glow. It is the last total lunar eclipse until 2029, making it a rare spectacle.

India will witness only the final phase of the 03 March 2026 lunar eclipse, as the event will already be underway at moonrise. Visibility will vary across cities, with northeastern states getting a slightly longer viewing window.

India will witness limited phases as the Moon rises partially eclipsed. In New Delhi and Noida, viewing begins at 18:22 IST, peaks at 18:27 IST, and ends by 18:47 IST. Clear skies and open horizons will offer the best view.

Read More: India to witness 'Blood Moon' eclipse for a very short duration, check peak time here

On 03 March 2026, a rare total lunar eclipse will align with sunrise, creating a stunning “selenelion” where the red Blood Moon and rising Sun appear together. Visible across parts of the Pacific Rim, Australia and North America, this atmospheric illusion will peak between 6:04 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. EST.

Read More: Blood Moon and Sunrise to appear at the same time— How is this possible?

On 03 March 2026, a total lunar eclipse may paint the Moon navy blue and deep crimson instead of its usual red. Scientists say ozone and stratospheric conditions could alter light filtering during totality. This rare alignment offers both a stunning sky spectacle and a unique 72-hour atmospheric research opportunity.

Read More: Blood Moon to turn the night navy blue and crimson in a rare celestial colour twist

This eclipse also carries cultural significance for many observers. In India, the celestial event coincides with traditional festivals and offers an exciting opportunity for people to learn about Earth‑Sun‑Moon dynamics firsthand.

Worldwide, 3rd March marks the only total lunar eclipse of 2026. The next is not expected until late 2028 or early 2029. So, this date makes it a rare and unforgettable spectacle.

Read More: Total lunar eclipse 2026 tomorrow: How and Where to watch the blood moon live

On 03 March 2026, skywatchers are witnessing a spectacular total lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon. During this event, Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a deep red shadow on the lunar surface. What makes it special is its rarity—this is the last total lunar eclipse until 2029, making tonight’s celestial show truly unmissable.

Hello and welcome to our live blog coverage of today’s Total Lunar Eclipse, the spectacular Blood Moon of 03 March 2026.

We’re excited to have you with us as this rare celestial event unfolds in the night sky. Over the next few hours, we’ll bring you real-time updates, key timings, visibility details across cities, expert insights, and everything you need to know about this Chandra Grahan.

As the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow and begins to glow deep red, stay tuned right here for the latest developments, viewing tips, and stunning moments from across India and around the world. Let’s witness this cosmic spectacle together.