India will witness the first Total Lunar Eclipse of 2026, with the Moon turning red during peak evening hours
New Delhi: People across India will get a chance to see a beautiful sky on March 3, 2026, when a total lunar eclipse, also called a Blood Moon, appears in the evening in sky. This will be the first total lunar eclipse of 2026.
A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon. The Earth’s shadow then falls on the Moon. During the main phase of the eclipse, the Moon looks reddish, which is why people call it a “Blood Moon.”
Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be seen from certain places, a lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere where the Moon is visible above the horizon at that time.
Date and Timings
The eclipse will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and it will move through different stages during the day.
- Partial eclipse begins: 3:20 PM
- Moonrise in India: Between 5:18 PM and 6:32 PM (depending on the city)
- Maximum eclipse (peak time): Around 6:33 PM to 6:40 PM
Eclipse ends: Around 6:47 PM
Since the eclipse will begin in the afternoon, people in India will not be able to see the early part. In many cities, the Moon will rise when the eclipse is already happening. This is called a “moonrise eclipse.”
City-Wise Visibility
The time and duration for which people can see the eclipse will be different in each city because of different moonrise timings.
Here is how long the eclipse will be visible in major cities:
- Delhi: From 6:22 PM, for about 25 minutes
- Lucknow: From 6:02 PM, for around 45 minutes
- Kolkata: From 5:43 PM, for about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Bhopal: From 6:21 PM, for around 26 minutes
- Chennai: From 6:21 PM, for about 25 minutes
- Patna: From 5:55 PM, for around 51 minutes
- Bengaluru: From 6:32 PM, for about 14 minutes
- Hyderabad: From 6:26 PM, for around 20 minutes
- Kanpur: From 6:14 PM, for about 32 minutes
- Shillong: From 5:27 PM, for around 1 hour 19 minutes
- Imphal: From 5:18 PM, for about 1 hour 28 minutes
- Itanagar: From 5:19 PM, for around 1 hour 27 minutes
People living in northeastern cities like Imphal, Shillong, and Itanagar will be able to see the eclipse for a longer time. In cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the viewing time will be shorter.
Also Read: Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026 Date: Why Varanasi Celebrates Shiva-Parvati’s Arrival in Kashi
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, some sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere bends this light and allows mainly red and orange colors to reach the Moon.
Because of this, the Moon looks red or copper-colored. That is the reason we see red colors in the sky during sunrise and sunset.
Scientific Importance of This Eclipse
This eclipse is part of something called a Saros cycle, which is a pattern that helps scientists predict eclipses accurately.
Astronomers use lunar eclipses to:
Study the Earth’s atmosphere
Observe the Moon’s surface
Measure small changes in the distance between Earth and the Moon
Encourage public interest in space and astronomy
The good news is that a lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. You do not need any special glasses. However, binoculars or a telescope can help you see more details.
Religious and Cultural Importance
Since the eclipse will happen on Holi, many people may find it even more meaningful. In India, lunar eclipses, also known as Chandra Grahan, are considered important in many traditions.
Some people observe fasting or follow certain customs during the eclipse period. The combination of Holi and a total lunar eclipse makes this day both festive and special.
How to Get the Best View
To enjoy the Blood Moon properly, experts suggest:
- Select a place where nothing blocks your view of the eastern side of the sky.
- Reach your viewing spot before moonrise
- Make sure the weather prediction shows clear skies.
- Use binoculars if you want a closer look
- Photographers should use a tripod for steady pictures
- Clear skies will be important to see the eclipse properly.
Where Else Will It Be Visible?
While India will see the later part of the eclipse, other regions like East Asia, Australia, North America, South America, parts of Europe, and the Pacific region will see longer parts of the eclipse. Some places will be able to see the entire event from start to finish.
What People in India Can Expect
On March 3, 2026, people across India will see the Moon rise in a partly or fully eclipsed state. For a short time, it will glow red before the eclipse ends around 6:47 PM IST.
Even though the viewing time will be short in many cities, the Blood Moon 2026 will be one of the most exciting sky events of the year.
Also Read: Holi 2026 Skincare Guide: Pre And Post Care Tips You Must Follow
Quick Details
Event: Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)
Date: March 3, 2026
Peak Time: Around 6:33 PM IST
Visible: After moonrise in India
Safety: Safe to watch with naked eyes
The Blood Moon on Holi will give people in India a rare and beautiful chance to see the Moon change color in the evening sky, adding a special touch to the festival of colours.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
