Next chandra grahan: The eclipse has always been considered a wonderful astronomical event. Whenever there is a lunar or solar eclipse, people are very curious about it. In terms of science, lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun and Moon fall into a straight line and the shadow of the earth falls on the moon. At the same time, according to religious beliefs, the lunar eclipse is seen connecting with auspicious and inauspicious and it is considered necessary to follow the Sutak period. The year 2026 is going to be special in terms of astronomy as 2 lunar eclipses will take place this year. Let us know when and where the lunar eclipse will appear in the year 2026 and what will be its religious significance.

There will be two lunar eclipses in the year 2026

A total of two lunar eclipses are scheduled in 2026. The first of these will be held in March and the second in August. One of these will be partial and the other will be full lunar eclipse. The specialty of these two and their appearance or not in India will be different.

First lunar eclipse - 3 March 2026

The first lunar eclipse will be held on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. This will be a partial lunar eclipse. According to the almanac, Phalgun Purnima will be on this day. According to Indian time, this eclipse will start at 6:26 pm and end at 6:46 pm. That is, its duration will be about 20 minutes 28 seconds.

This eclipse will appear in many countries like Asia, Australia, North and South America. Since this eclipse will appear in India, its sutak period will also be valid here. The sutak will start from 9:39 am to 6:46 pm.

Second lunar eclipse - 28 August 2026

The second lunar eclipse of the year will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026. This will be a complete lunar eclipse, but it will not be visible in India. Therefore, its sutak will also not be valid here. This eclipse will be seen mainly in northern and parts of South America, Europe and Africa.

Importance of lunar eclipse and sutak

Lunar eclipse has special religious significance in Hindu tradition. It is believed that when the Moon is accepted, the tasks performed during that time have a different effect. This is the reason that many tasks are stopped during the Sutak period.

• The sutak is valid 9 hours before the eclipse starts.
• During this time, eating, praying, studying or sleeping is prohibited.
• During the Sutak period, the doors of temples are also closed and worship starts only after the eclipse ends.
• However, if the eclipse is not visible at any place, then the sutak is not valid there.