Holi 2026: Rare ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse to Light Up Indian Skies

New Delhi, February 26, 2026: On the evening of March 3, 2026, the sky will host one of the most mesmerizing celestial displays as the first total lunar eclipse of the year transforms the Full Moon into a hauntingly beautiful “Blood Moon.” For exactly 58 minutes, our natural satellite will be bathed in a deep, coppery red hue, offering a rare spectacle for skygazers across the globe.

What makes this event particularly significant for observers in India is its rare coincidence with the festival of Holi, marking a dramatic convergence of astronomical wonder and cultural tradition.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its darkest shadow (the umbra) over the lunar surface. While the Sun’s direct light is blocked, the Moon doesn’t go completely dark.

Instead, it turns red due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering—the same reason why sunrises and sunsets are colorful. Earth’s atmosphere filters out shorter blue wavelengths and bends the longer red wavelengths toward the Moon, creating the “Blood Moon” effect.

Key Stats for the March 3 Eclipse:

• Event Type: Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)
• Total Duration of Totality: 58 minutes and 19 seconds
• Entire Event Duration: Approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes
• Next Occurrence: This is the last total lunar eclipse until December 31, 2028.

Can You Watch it From India?

The short answer is yes, but the experience will vary significantly depending on where you are located.

Because the eclipse begins while the Moon is still below the horizon for most of South Asia, India will witness a “Moonrise Eclipse.” This means the Moon will already be eclipsed by the time it climbs into the sky.

1. The Northeast Advantage

Inhabitants of Northeastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur are the luckiest. These regions will witness the totality phase (the full Blood Moon) shortly after moonrise.

• Dibrugarh & Itanagar: Expect 100% obscuration with a clear view of the red Moon for a brief window before totality ends around 5:32 PM IST.

2. Rest of India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru)

For most other parts of the country, including North, West, and South India, the Moon will rise after the total phase has already ended or as it is just finishing.

• Visibility: Observers will primarily see the partial phase as the Moon slowly moves out of Earth’s shadow.
• Timing: In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, look toward the eastern horizon between 6:20 PM and 6:47 PM IST. The Moon will appear slightly “chipped” or dimmed as it exits the umbra.

City-Wise Moonrise Timings (March 3, 2026)

City	Moonrise Time (Approx.)	Visibility Type
Itanagar	5:05 PM IST	Total Eclipse (Blood Moon)
Kolkata	5:32 PM IST	End of Totality/Partial
Lucknow	6:02 PM IST	Partial Eclipse
Chennai	6:21 PM IST	Partial Eclipse
New Delhi	6:22 PM IST	Partial Eclipse
Mumbai	6:40 PM IST	Partial/Penumbral

The Holi Connection and “Sutak Kaal”

Since the eclipse occurs on Purnima (Full Moon), which is also the day of Holi (Choti Holi/Holika Dahan), it holds immense astrological significance in India.

• Sutak Kaal: In Indian tradition, the Sutak (inauspicious period) typically begins 9 hours before a lunar eclipse. For March 3, the Sutak is expected to start in the early morning around 6:23 AM IST.
• Rituals: Many temples may remain closed during the day, and families might choose to perform Holika Dahan rituals only after the eclipse concludes at 6:47 PM IST to ensure an auspicious start to the festival.

How to Watch Safely

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye. You do not need special filters or glasses.

1. Find an Unobstructed View: Since the eclipse happens low on the horizon for India, find a spot with a clear view of the Eastern sky.
2. Equipment: While not necessary, a pair of binoculars or a basic telescope will reveal stunning details of the Earth’s shadow moving across lunar craters.
3. Check the Weather: Late February/Early March usually offers clear skies in India, but it’s always wise to check for local smog or cloud cover updates.

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