First Lunar Eclipse of 2026 to Occur Today: Timings and Visibility Details

The first lunar eclipse of the year is set to occur today, March 3, according to official timings. As per Indian Standard Time, the eclipse will begin at 3:20 PM and conclude at 6:46 PM. In Punjab and several other major regions, the eclipse will be visible between 6:24 PM and 6:46 PM. Due to its visibility, the associated ‘sutak’ period is considered applicable. The eclipse is occurring under the Leo zodiac sign and the Purva Phalguni constellation. The sutak period for the eclipse began earlier in the day at 6:20 AM and will end with the conclusion of the celestial event. Traditionally, the sutak period starts approximately nine hours before a lunar eclipse. In India, this eclipse will be observed in a ‘grastodit’ form, meaning the Moon will already be under the Earth’s shadow before it rises. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon align in such a way that the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. However, certain exemptions apply during the sutak period. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, children, and those who are ill are not bound by these restrictions. These individuals are allowed to eat food and take medication as usual. Additionally, the nine-hour sutak rule does not apply to children below the age of 10; for them, the sutak period begins approximately three and a half hours before the eclipse ends.