The total lunar eclipse will happen on March 3, 2026, and will fall on the day of Holi.
People in India will be able to see only a short part of the eclipse after sunset.
The Moon will look red, and it can be seen easily without any special equipment.
Stargazers around the world are in for a treat as the evening sky turns red with the first total lunar eclipse of the year. Popularly known as a blood moon and Chandra Grahan, the event will coincide with the celebrations of Holi in India, adding a rare celestial element to the festive spirit. Unlike previous years, this eclipse will be visible from India, though only briefly after moonrise in most cities. You would not require any special equipment to witness the event while the precautions are still necessary. Here’s everything from the Indian and global visible date and time, the best places to watch the blood moon and more.
What is the total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line, with Earth between the Sun and the Moon. This is when the Earth casts its shadow on the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon.
When the Moon is entirely in the Earth’s shadow, the Moon appears red. This is due to the scattering of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere, which makes the red light reach the Moon. This is why the lunar eclipse is also known as a blood moon.
Furthermore, do note that unlike a solar eclipse, it is completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
Total lunar eclipse: Date and visibility in India
The total lunar eclipse will take place on March 3, 2026. The total eclipse will last about 58 minutes. In Indian Standard Time (IST), the key phases will occur in the late afternoon and early evening.
However, most of the eclipse will happen before moonrise in India. This means viewers across much of the country will see only the final part of the event after sunset. The visible window is expected to last around 20 to 25 minutes in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Eastern and northeastern regions are likely to have a better view, as the Moon will rise earlier there.
Total lunar eclipse: Global visibility and date
The March 3 event will be visible across large parts of the world where it is night during totality. Regions including North and South America, Europe, Africa and parts of Asia will witness the eclipse in different phases.
In some countries, the entire total phase will be clearly visible high in the sky. In India, however, the Moon will already be in eclipse as it rises, making the experience shorter but still impressive.
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Places to watch the Blood Moon in India
The best place to see the eclipse will be in the Northeast. People in cities like Dibrugarh, Dispur, Guwahati, Itanagar, and Shillong will get a better view. Some places may even see the eclipse completely (total eclipse).
If you’re not at the prime locations, here are the best locations you can be at to watch the eclipse clearly:
- Choose a place where you can clearly see the eastern sky.
- Make sure nothing is blocking your view (like buildings or trees).
- Open fields are good spots.
- Rooftops are also a good option.
- Stay away from tall buildings.
- Avoid places with bright lights.
