Chandra Grahan 2026 will occur twice in the year. If you are searching for Chandra grahan in 2026, the lunar eclipse will happen on March 3, 2026 (Total Lunar Eclipse) and August 28, 2026 (Partial Lunar Eclipse). In India, the August 2026 moon eclipse will be clearly visible during night hours.
Lunar eclipses are not only astronomical events but also spiritually significant in Hindu tradition. In this guide, you will learn about the moon eclipse date, what time does the lunar eclipse start, Sutak Kaal timing, visibility in India, and zodiac-wise effects.
If you are interested in astrology, you can also read my detailed guide on 12 rashi to understand how eclipses affect each zodiac sign.
When is Chandra Grahan in 2026?
According to astronomical calculations, there will be two lunar eclipses in 2026:
- March 3, 2026 – Total Lunar Eclipse
- August 28, 2026 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
So if you are wondering when the eclipse of the moon will occur in 2026, these are the confirmed global dates.
What is the Time of the Lunar Eclipse in 2026?
Many people ask: what is the time of the lunar eclipse or what time does the lunar eclipse start?
Here are the expected timings (IST):
March 3, 2026 – Total Lunar Eclipse
| Country / Region | Start Time (Local) | End Time (Local) | Visibility |
| India | 03:20 AM IST | 06:40 AM IST | Partial Visibility |
| Australia | 07:50 AM AEST | 11:10 AM AEST | Fully Visible |
| Japan | 06:50 AM JST | 10:10 AM JST | Fully Visible |
| USA (West Coast) | Mar 2 – 01:50 PM PST | 05:10 PM PST | Fully Visible |
| Pacific Region | Afternoon | Evening | Fully Visible |
(Exact timing may vary slightly depending on location.)
If you are searching when the moon eclipse happens, this table gives a clear answer.
Where Will the Moon Eclipse Be Visible?
March 2026 Lunar Eclipse
- Visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific region
- Partially visible in India
August 2026 Lunar Eclipse
- Clearly visible in India
- Visible in Europe, Africa & Asia
So for people searching for moon eclipse visibility in India, the August eclipse will be more prominent.
Chandra Grahan 2026 – Zodiac Sign Impact
Aries – Aries: Emotional stress but clarity in career matters.
Taurus – Taurus: Improvement in financial stability and overall growth.
Gemini – Gemini: Mood swings and overthinking during this period.
Cancer – Cancer: Heightened emotional sensitivity and mood changes.
Leo – Leo: Leadership opportunities and positive progress.
Virgo – Virgo: Focus needed on health and daily routine management.
Libra – Libra: Clarity in relationships and favorable developments.
Scorpio – Scorpio: Deep spiritual transformation and inner growth.
Sagittarius – Sagittarius: Benefits in travel, learning, or educational opportunities.
Capricorn – Capricorn: Possible sudden career-related changes.
Aquarius – Aquarius: Important decisions required in relationships.
Pisces – Pisces: Stronger intuition and spiritual upliftment.
Sutak Kaal of Chandra Grahan 2026
In Hindu tradition, Sutak Kaal starts 9 hours before the lunar eclipse begins.
During Sutak:
- Temples remain closed
- Avoid cooking & eating
- Chant mantras (Mahamrityunjaya or Gayatri Mantra)
- Meditation is considered highly powerful
After the eclipse ends, taking a bath and donating food or clothes is considered auspicious.
Can You Look at the Lunar Eclipse?
Yes, you can safely watch a lunar eclipse with naked eyes.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a moon eclipse does not harm your eyes. So if you are asking, can you look at the lunar eclipse, the answer is absolutely Yes.
When is the Next Solar Eclipse in 2026?
Many users also search:
- When is the next solar eclipse?
- Solar eclipse March 2026
- Solar eclipse today
In 2026, solar eclipses will occur on:
- February 17, 2026 – Annular Solar Eclipse
- August 12, 2026 – Total Solar Eclipse
Solar eclipse dates are fixed events, so if you are searching for a solar eclipse today, make sure to check the current calendar date.
Impact of Chandra Grahan 2026 on 12 Rashi
According to Vedic astrology, the Moon controls emotions and mental energy. During Chandra Grahan, emotional sensitivity increases.
Possible effects on 12 rashi (Mesh to Meen):
- Emotional fluctuations
- Sudden clarity in relationships
- Career-related decisions
- Spiritual awakening
- Increased intuition
For detailed sign-wise predictions including lucky colors and remedies, you can read my complete guide on 12 rashi where each zodiac sign is explained in depth.
Scientific Importance of Moon Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when:
- Earth comes between the Sun and Moon
- Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon
- It happens only on a Full Moon night
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon appears reddish due to light scattering often called a Blood Moon.
Astronomically, lunar eclipses help scientists study Earth’s atmosphere and shadow behavior.
Mythological Story Behind Chandra Grahan
According to Hindu mythology, Rahu and Ketu are responsible for eclipses. It is believed that Rahu swallows the Moon temporarily, causing Chandra Grahan. However, scientifically it is purely a shadow phenomenon.
Conclusion
Chandra Grahan 2026 will occur on March 3 (Total Lunar Eclipse) and August 28 (Partial Lunar Eclipse), with the August eclipse clearly visible in India. It holds both astronomical and spiritual significance, including Sutak Kaal observance in Hindu tradition. The lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with naked eyes. Astrologically, it may bring emotional shifts and important changes for different zodiac signs.
FAQs – Chandra Grahan 2026
Chandra Grahan will occur on March 3, 2026 (Total) and August 28, 2026 (Partial).
The March eclipse starts around 3:20 AM IST, while the August eclipse begins around 9:30 PM IST.
A moon eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon during a full moon night.
Yes, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view without protective glasses.
Yes. In a lunar eclipse, Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. In a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth.
