Lunar Eclipse 2026 on Holi: Rare coincidence after 100 years – know holika dahan and sutak time?

The month of March is coming with an extremely rare celestial event, which is Chandra Grahan and the coincidence is that it will occur on the day Holi, the prominent festival of Hindus. This will be a Total Lunar Eclipse, which will take place on March 3, 2026. All the astronomers and sky watchers are really excited about this event because they are preparing to witness this amazing celestial event. It is considered inauspicious, when an eclipse takes place on Holi or any other festival. Holi is going to be celebrated in the month of Phalguna. Let's check out the more information about this rare celestial event.

Lunar Eclipse 2026: Date and Time

What is Total Lunar Eclipse?

A Total Lunar Eclipse is a spectacular event, when the Earth will completely block the sunlight and the Moon will fall within the darkest part of the Erath's shadow and at that time, Moon will turn into a reddish hue and that's why it will be called as Super Blue Moon.

Lunar Eclipse 2026: What is Sutak period?

According to the ancient tradition, an eclipse is not just a period of astronomical changes but it is the time of energetic transformation happening in the universe.

When will Sutak period begin?

The Sutak period will begin nine hours before the lunar eclipse begins and it ends immediately once the eclipse is over. During this period, it is prohibited to touch the idols, auspicious events should not be performed such as wedding, engagement, roka, griha pravesh, and other sacred events.

Chandra Grahan on Holi 2026: What to do during Lunar Eclipse explained by Premanand Maharaj

When to celebrate Holika Dahan?

Purnima Tithi of Lunar Eclipse:

Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:55 PM on Mar 02, 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:07 PM on Mar 03, 2026

Lunar Eclipse 2026: Chandra Grahan on Holi; when to perform holika dahan on March 2 or 3?

Bhadra Kaal on Chandra Grahan:

Bhadra Kaal Begins - March 2, 2026 - 05:58 PM

Bhadra Kaal Ends - March 3, 2026 - 5:30 AM

Sutak Kaal on Chandra Grahan:

Sutak kaal begins - March 3, 2026 - 06:23 AM

When is Chandra Grahan 2026: Date and Time

Why this Chandra Grahan is special?

This Chandra Grahan is going to start from 03:20 PM to 06:47 PM on March 3, 2026. This will be a rare phenomenon which will fall on Holi festival. The sutak period will start nine house prior to the eclipse and continue till the eclipse is over. The Lunar eclipse will be visible just for 25 to 35 minutes from Delhi, Mumbai Uttar Pradesh and other northeast regions.

What happens during Sutak period?

1. Temples should be closed during this time period.

2. All the auspicious activities should be avoided.

3. One must cover their home's idols.

4. Add tulsi leaves or kusha grass in all the eatables.

5. One must avoid sleeping during the time of Chandra Grahan.

When is Holika Dahan?

People will get two muhurat - one muhurat you will get on Maarch 3 early morning from 05:30 to 0623 on March 3 and another muhurat you will get on March 3 - after 06:47 PM in the evening once the eclipse is over. The puja should be performed after 06:47 PM and they can add kusha grass and tulsi leaves in that bonfire.
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