Surya & Chandra Grahans In 2026: Date, Time & Visibility for Solar & Lunar Eclipses In India

India

oi-Prakash KL

For
us
in
India,
the
dance
of
the
sun
and
moon
is
more
than
just
a
celestial
event;
it’s
a
chapter
from
an
ancient
story
that
our
grandparents
told
us.
As
we
look
ahead
to
2026,
the
sky
is
set
to
stage
this
drama
four
times.
While
scientists
call
it
an
astronomical
phenomenon,
in
our
homes
and
hearts,
a
‘Grahan’
carries
the
weight
of
tradition,
spirituality,
and
deep-rooted
beliefs.
It’s
a
time
when
the
usual
rhythms
of
prayer
and
daily
life
pause,
and
we
turn
inward,
guided
by
customs
passed
down
through
generations.

Scientifically,
the
logic
is
straightforward.
A
Solar
Eclipse,
or
Surya
Grahan,
is
like
a
cosmic
game
of
hide-and-seek.
The
moon
moves
precisely
between
the
Earth
and
the
sun,
casting
a
shadow
and
momentarily
turning
day
into
an
eerie
twilight.

On
the
other
hand,
a
Lunar
Eclipse,
or
Chandra
Grahan,
occurs
when
the
Earth
stands
directly
between
the
sun
and
the
moon,
its
shadow
slowly
swallowing
the
moon’s
gentle
glow.
But
for
us,
these
are
not
just
cold,
mechanical
alignments.
They
are
sensitive
times,
often
considered
inauspicious
for
starting
new
ventures,
conducting
rituals,
or
even
cooking
and
eating.
This
period
of
caution,
known
as
‘Sutak,’
is
observed
with
reverence.

So,
what
does
2026
have
in
store
for
the
Indian
sky-watcher?

The
Solar
Eclipses:
A
Distant
Spectacle

The
year’s
first
Solar
Eclipse
will
occur
on
Tuesday,
17
February
2026.
This
will
be
a
partial
eclipse,
where
the
moon
takes
a
bite
out
of
the
sun.
However,
for
us
in
India,
it
will
be
a
private
show
happening
elsewhere.
It
won’t
be
visible
from
our
land,
and
thus,
the
rules
of
Sutak
will
not
apply
here.
The
spectacle
will
grace
the
skies
of
Western
Asia,
parts
of
Europe,
Africa,
and
the
Americas.

The
second,
and
more
dramatic,
Solar
Eclipse
will
occur
on
Wednesday,
12
August
2026.
This
will
be
an
Annular
Solar
Eclipse,
often
called
the
‘Ring
of
Fire.’
On
this
day,
the
moon
will
be
at
a
point
in
its
orbit
where
it
appears
slightly
smaller
than
the
sun.
Instead
of
completely
covering
it,
the
sun
will
appear
as
a
brilliant,
blinding
ring
encircling
the
moon’s
dark
disc.
It’s
a
breathtaking
sight,
but
again,
one
that
Indians
will
have
to
experience
through
live
streams
and
pictures.
This
‘Ring
of
Fire’
will
be
visible
over
the
Atlantic
Ocean,
slicing
across
parts
of
South
America,
like
Argentina.
Since
it’s
not
visible
in
India,
the
Sutak
period
is
again
not
applicable.

The
Lunar
Eclipses:
Our
Turn
to
Witness

Where
the
solar
eclipses
shy
away
from
India,
the
lunar
eclipses
of
2026
will
make
a
clear
appearance.

The
first
one
is
scheduled
for
Tuesday,
3
March
2026.
This
will
be
a
Penumbral
Lunar
Eclipse.
Imagine
the
Earth’s
shadow
having
a
faint,
outer
edge-this
is
the
penumbra.
The
full
moon
will
glide
through
this
zone,
causing
a
very
subtle
dimming
of
its
southern
part.
It
might
be
so
gentle
that
you
could
miss
it
if
you’re
not
paying
close
attention.
The
eclipse
will
be
visible
from
India
in
the
evening,
between
approximately
6:26
pm
and
6:46
pm.
Because
it
is
visible,
the
Sutak
period
will
be
observed
by
those
who
follow
the
traditions.

The
year’s
final
eclipse
will
be
a
Partial
Lunar
Eclipse
on
Friday,
28
August
2026.
This
is
a
more
noticeable
event.
The
Earth’s
dark,
central
shadow
(the
umbra)
will
creep
across
the
face
of
the
full
moon,
covering
a
portion
of
it
in
a
reddish-brown
tint.
It
will
be
a
partial
shadow,
not
a
total
engulfment.
This
celestial
partial
cover-up
will
be
partially
visible
from
India,
and
hence,
the
Sutak
customs
will
be
relevant
in
the
regions
where
the
eclipse
can
be
seen.

Between
Science
and
Tradition:
The
Astrological
Perspective

In
Indian
astrology,
eclipses
are
powerful
markers
of
change.
They
are
believed
to
stir
the
energies
of
the
planets,
influencing
emotions,
health,
and
the
course
of
our
lives.
It
is
often
advised
to
avoid
making
major
decisions
or
beginning
important
tasks
during
the
Sutak
period
and
the
eclipse
itself.
Instead,
this
time
is
considered
ideal
for
turning
inward.
Chanting
prayers,
meditating,
and
reflecting
are
common
practices.
The
old
wisdom
advises
staying
indoors,
avoiding
travel,
and
abstaining
from
consuming
food
during
the
eclipse
hours.
These
practices
are
not
about
fear,
but
about
respect-a
way
to
spiritually
ground
oneself
during
what
is
seen
as
a
sensitive
astronomical
transition.

In
2026,
India
will
witness
two
Lunar
Eclipses,
while
the
two
Solar
Eclipses
will
play
out
over
foreign
skies.
This
offers
us
a
unique
opportunity.
We
can
observe
the
subtle
dimming
of
the
moon
in
March
and
its
partial
shading
in
August,
following
the
cultural
guidelines
that
have
been
part
of
our
fabric
for
centuries.
Simultaneously,
we
can
marvel,
from
a
distance,
at
the
incredible
‘Ring
of
Fire’
eclipse
in
August,
appreciating
the
precise
cosmic
mechanics
that
make
it
possible.

The
beauty
for
the
Indian
common
man
lies
in
this
very
balance.
We
can
stand
at
the
crossroads
where
ancient
tradition
meets
modern
science.
We
can
choose
to
follow
the
serene
path
of
meditation
and
ritual
as
the
moon
darkens,
while
also
understanding
the
exact
planetary
orbits
that
cause
it.
This
duality
is
not
a
contradiction;
it
is
a
testament
to
a
culture
that
has
always
looked
at
the
heavens
with
both
wonder
and
wisdom.
In
2026,
as
always,
the
sky
will
tell
its
story.
We,
in
India,
will
listen
to
it
in
our
own
special
way,
with
a
pinch
of
sacredness
and
a
curious
eye
for
science.