Chandra Grahan 2026: First Lunar Eclipse of the Year

The first Chandra Grahan 2026 at the beginning of the year will be important both for sky watchers and from an astrological perspective. This will be a time when people can look at the open sky and directly observe the shadow of the Earth falling on the Moon. The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on 3 March 2026 and its special feature is that this eclipse will be visible in India, although only the final phase of the event will be seen from here.

During the lunar eclipse the Moon will be covered for a short period by the shadow of the Earth. In this event there will be a total lunar eclipse, yet the part that will be visible from India will be limited in duration. In India the eclipse will be observed in the evening. The Moon will rise at about 06:26 PM, the maximum visible phase of the eclipse will be around 06:33 PM to 06:40 PM and the visible part of the eclipse will end around 06:46 PM. The initial contact of the Earth’s shadow will begin earlier in the afternoon outside the visibility window of India but during the visible period the eclipse will last for roughly twenty minutes for observers here.

Date, timings and visibility in India for the 2026 lunar eclipse

Understanding the schedule of the lunar eclipse helps to view it correctly from both religious and astrological angles. The lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026 will be the main celestial event of that day.

Lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026: timing schedule

Detail	Time and condition
Date of the eclipse	3 March 2026
Visibility in India	Visible, only last phase will be seen
Moonrise time	06:26 PM
Maximum visible phase	06:33 PM to 06:40 PM
Visible eclipse ends	06:46 PM
Total visible duration	About 20 minutes

This eclipse is classified as a total lunar eclipse, yet from India only the later part will be visible. The penumbral and earlier umbral stages begin in the afternoon, when the Earth’s shadow first touches the Moon. Since at that time the Moon has not yet risen in India, observers here will see only the portion where the shadow is already present and then gradually moves away.

What is a lunar eclipse and how can it be understood

In simple terms a lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the direct rays of the Sun from reaching the Moon. In this situation the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon and we see that shadow as the lunar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse can occur only at the time of full moon, because then alone the Moon lies opposite the Sun. When the Moon passes through the central dark shadow of the Earth, a total lunar eclipse is formed. When only a part of the Moon goes into that shadow, it is called a partial lunar eclipse. In this event the celestial configuration will support a total eclipse, yet the visible part for India will be brief. Those who wish to observe it should therefore pay careful attention to the timings.

Astrological background of the 3 March 2026 lunar eclipse

From the astrological viewpoint this first lunar eclipse of 2026 will be significant. The eclipse will take place in Leo sign under the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra. This means that the Moon will be in Leo at the time of the eclipse and the Earth’s shadow will influence it there.

• Leo sign is ruled by the Sun and is associated with self confidence, personality, leadership, presence on stage and self respect.
• Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is linked with joy, creativity, harmony in relationships and the comforts of life.

When a lunar eclipse occurs in this sign and Nakshatra, it can indicate some emotional turbulence especially for those whose birth charts have strong emphasis on Leo or Purva Phalguni.

Lunar eclipse 2026 in Leo and Purva Phalguni

Astrological factor	Indicated area
Leo sign	Self image, leadership, public recognition
Purva Phalguni	Joy, creativity, relationships, ease and comfort
Touch of lunar eclipse	Emotional fluctuations, heightened sensitivity

People whose Moon sign is Leo or whose Moon is placed in Purva Phalguni, are advised to move through this period with increased patience, composure and spiritual focus.

Emotional impact of the lunar eclipse and role of the Moon

In astrology the Moon represents mind, emotions, sensitivity, water and the nurturing aspect of the mother. When the shadow of the Earth covers the Moon during an eclipse, there can be a corresponding instability in emotions and moods. This may be felt more by women connected with Leo sign or by those whose lives are strongly coloured by the Moon and Leo energy.

• The Moon is associated with feminine energy, motherhood, emotional depth and intuition.
• The period of an eclipse can sometimes bring old memories and unfinished feelings to the surface.
• When inner tension is already present, it may seem more intense during such a time.

For this reason traditional advice often suggests that during the eclipse and its surrounding hours women, especially those influenced by Leo or a sensitive Moon, should take special care of their mental state, rest and physical wellbeing. Spiritual activities, mantra recitation, gentle breath awareness and a calm environment may support emotional balance.

What care and practice may be helpful during Chandra Grahan 2026

According to religious and astrological tradition the time of a lunar eclipse is considered suitable for inner practice and purification. Although only a short portion of this eclipse will be visible from India, its subtle effect on emotional and energetic levels may be felt throughout the day.

Some simple guidelines can be considered.

• If possible avoid unnecessary travel, major decisions and needless arguments around the exact eclipse period.
• Those who are inclined may engage in mantra japa, meditation or prayer during the eclipse, especially for peace of mind.
• Many people choose not to eat during the actual eclipse window and resume fresh food only after the shadow has passed. This is a matter of personal faith and health.
• After the eclipse, taking a bath and freshening the body and mind is traditionally considered beneficial.

The purpose of such practices is not to increase fear but to use this special time with greater awareness and positivity.

Special aspects of the 2026 lunar eclipse for sky watchers

Even though only about twenty minutes of the eclipse will be visible from India, it will still be an interesting opportunity for those who love the night sky.

• As the Moon rises, it will already be partially covered by the Earth’s shadow, so its brightness and colour may appear slightly altered.
• Around 06:33 PM to 06:40 PM the visible phase will be close to maximum for observers here and the shaded portion of the Moon will be more clearly noticeable.
• After 06:46 PM the shadow will gradually recede and the Moon will move back towards its normal full brightness.

For observation an open horizon towards the east or southeast, clear weather and unobstructed sky will be helpful. Telescopes are not necessary, since a lunar eclipse can be comfortably viewed with the naked eye.

A meaningful way to approach Chandra Grahan 2026

The lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026 offers a chance to experience a celestial event, traditional belief and astrological symbolism together. As a sky event it draws natural curiosity and as an inner mirror it can inspire deeper reflection, especially for those whose charts make the Moon or Leo sign particularly important.

Seen not with fear but with awareness and reflection, this eclipse can become an occasion to review the direction of life, to quietly let go of some inner burdens and to move towards greater emotional steadiness. In that sense the Chandra Grahan 2026 can serve as a gentle yet meaningful turning point.

Common questions

When will the first lunar eclipse of 2026 take place
The first lunar eclipse of the year 2026 will occur on 3 March 2026. On that day the Earth’s shadow will fall on the Moon and a total lunar eclipse will form, although only the later portion will be visible from India.

Will this Chandra Grahan be visible in India
Yes, this Chandra Grahan will be visible in India. From India the eclipse can be seen for about twenty minutes after moonrise, with the main visible phase around 06:33 PM to 06:40 PM and the visible shadow clearing by about 06:46 PM.

How is this lunar eclipse viewed in astrology
Astrologically the eclipse will occur in Leo sign under Purva Phalguni Nakshatra. Therefore people whose Moon sign or key planets fall in this sign or Nakshatra are advised to pay special attention to emotional balance, patience, spiritual orientation and calm decision making around this period.

What should women pay attention to during this lunar eclipse
Since the Moon signifies mind, emotions and feminine energy, women, especially those connected with Leo sign, may feel more sensitive during this time. It is helpful to avoid unnecessary stress, to rest adequately and to stay in a peaceful environment with light, sattvic food as far as possible.

Are there any simple practices that can be followed during Chandra Grahan 2026
Those who have faith may choose to perform mantra japa, meditation, sacred text recitation or silent prayer during the eclipse, then bathe afterwards and, if they wish, offer some form of charity or service. The essential point is to live this period as consciously and calmly as possible.