The night sky will be awash in something like a spectacle: a “Blood Moon” that will occur on March 3, 2026. A total lunar eclipse turning the surface of the moon into a deep coppery red. This celestial phenomenon is particularly relevant to India, and falls on the eve of Holika Dahan, merging scientific awe with centuries of indigenous culture.
The Crimson Moon of March 2026
The first moon eclipse of 2026 in India is a total eclipse a sky condition popularly referred to by scientists as a "Blood Moon" that takes place as darkness and redness over the moon's shadow appear on Earth's edge. It will be visible for observers in India during the moonrise.
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
- Total Time (Total Hours Around the World) = 5 hours, 38 minutes
- Indian Visibility Window: The eclipse process starts around 3:20 PM IST during the afternoon and ends at 6:47 PM IST.
Visible For City Wisdom (City-Wise)
As the eclipse starts before the Moon rises in India, different areas and neighborhoods will experience different stages:
- Eastern India (No Bumps and Clear Views): Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh would be able to see the best of it. Cities like Guwahati, Kolkata and Itanagar will see the tint red for a longer length of time.
- Rest Of India: (Per-Partial) Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur and Lucknow: Half of the Eclipse Phase as a Moon Rises on the Horizon.
Astrological Importance
The Subconscious Mind Under shade The Moon is in charge of emotions, the subconscious and mental peace in Vedic astrology. A “Blood Moon” is considered a time of high energy where hidden truths can surface in the form of a whirlwind of energy.
- Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Potentially sensitive to your emotions in heightened intensity. This is a stage where we can “release” a load of past baggage.
- Fire Signs (Aries, Leo): This could discourage us from making impulsive decisions or squabbles.
- Earth Signs (Virgo, Capricorn): This time is excellent for self-reflection and self-auditing your health and career aspirations.
Sutak Kaal & Traditional Observations
Now as India’s eclipse is happening, the Sutak period (which is an inauspicious period prior to the eclipse) will be observed:
- Sutak Starts at 9:39 AM IST (about 9 hours before the visible phase).
- Sutak Ends: 6:46 PM IST.
This is the period when many do not want to start new business and temples are mostly closed. But its usage is thought to be a powerful window, for meditation and chanting mantras in the same vein, such as the Mahamrityunjaya.
Scientific Note
Compared to a solar eclipse, a Blood Moon is 100% safe to watch with the naked eye. For the best experience go to an open area with the Moon emerging up in the East.
