The first total lunar eclipse will be taking place on Tuesday March 3, 2026, this eclipse is special as it falls during Holi festival. This eclipse, which will occur in the Virgo sign and Uttara Phalguni constellation, will be astrologically significant in India as well as in many parts of the world.
Lunar eclipse time in India
According to astronomical calculations, the eclipse times will be as follows:
Penumbral Phase: 1:42 PM
Partial Phase: 2:50 PM
Total Phase Begins: 4:04 PM
Maximum Eclipse: 4:54 PM
Total Phase Ends: 5:44 PM
Partial Phase Ends: 6:58 PM
(In India, observing the eclipse from 6 AM onwards is considered to be scientific.)
Rules of Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse is not just an astronomical event, but it is also considered a very sensitive time from a spiritual perspective. During this time, the subtle waves in the atmosphere affect our food and mind.
Who should observe the eclipse and who should avoid it?
Normal healthy people should strictly observe the eclipse and its vedha. It is important to protect physical and mental energy during the eclipse. Children, the elderly, sick people and pregnant women have been given exemptions from the strict rules of the eclipse by the scriptures. They should eat and rest according to their health, but if possible, they should definitely chant the names of God.
Dietary rules (what to eat and what to avoid?)
Eating should be avoided from the time of the eclipse (during the Sutak period). Cooked food is considered to be contaminated during the eclipse, so the meal should be finished before the eclipse. Drinking water should also be avoided during the eclipse if possible. However, if necessary, drink water with basil leaves added.
What should be avoided during the eclipse? (Taboo things)
Avoid sleeping during the eclipse (exception for sick people). Chopping vegetables, cutting cloth or sewing during the eclipse is considered inauspicious. No new or important work should be started during the eclipse.
What names should be chanted? (Mantra Sadhana)
The eclipse period is considered the best for mantra siddhi and name recitation. It is said that chanting during this period gives a thousand times more results. Chant 'Om Somay Namah' and say 'Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay' or 'Mahamrityunjaya Mantra'. To remove negativity, recite 'Hanuman Chalisa' or 'Bajrang Baan'. Taking the name of your family deity is most effective.
Keep food and water on Tulsi Dal during eclipse
Not only during the eclipse, but the atmosphere starts getting polluted three to four hours before the eclipse. This is not just a myth, but science has also confirmed it. This is what the scriptures have called the Vedha Kaal of the eclipse. In this polluted environment, food and water are prohibited. Because, the moon, which gives energy and light to the earth, is covered during the solar eclipse, the prevalence of other microorganisms increases and due to this, food and water gets contaminated. Therefore, during the eclipse, food and water are also covered with a cloth and basil leaves are put in it. Basil leaves do not contaminate food and water and they become suitable for use after the eclipse. Basil leaves should also be kept on milk, curd or stored water in the house. This preserves its natural properties and the waves of the eclipse do not affect them. It is considered best to take a bath and eat freshly cooked food after the eclipse.
Astrological Impacts:
Maximum impact on Virgo and Pisces: Since this eclipse is taking place in Virgo, Virgo and the Pisces people opposite it need to be more careful. They may experience mental stress or health complaints.
Emotional instability: Since the moon is the factor of the mind, people may develop unnecessary irritation, fear or emotional confusion during this period. Do not rush into making important decisions.
Impact on Holi celebrations: Since the eclipse is on the day of Holi, it is necessary to be careful while playing with colors and celebrating the festival. Due to the lunar eclipse, Holika Dahan will be performed the day before, i.e. on March 2, and the eclipse period will be observed on March 3.
Natural and political changes: This eclipse indicates natural disasters or major changes in the political sphere. Fluctuations can also be seen in the stock market and gold prices.