Next year, in 2026, there will be two lunar eclipses. The first will be on the full moon of Phalgun month and the second on the full moon of Shravan month. The lunar eclipse occurring on the full moon day of Phalgun month, which is falling on the day of Holika Dahan, will be visible in India. According to astrology, there is a rapid change in energy during an eclipse.
First lunar eclipse of 2026
The first lunar eclipse of the new year will occur on March 3, 2026, on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun. The special thing is that Holika Dahan is also celebrated on this day. This partial lunar eclipse will last from 3:20 pm to 6:47 pm.
Will it be visible in India?
The lunar eclipse that will occur on the day of Holika Dahan in 2026 will be visible from India, hence Sutak period will also be considered here. In such a situation, Holika Dahan should be done only after the eclipse is over. Sutak period starts 9 hours before the eclipse begins.
Second lunar eclipse of 2026
The second lunar eclipse will occur on August 28, 2026. This will be a total lunar eclipse. However, it will not be visible in India. Therefore, Sutak period will not be applicable here.
What not to do during Sutak
According to the scriptures, one should not eat or drink during Sutak period. Any kind of negative activity is prohibited. During this period, one should do spiritual contemplation, meditation, recite Ramcharitmanas and chant Shiva mantras. Apart from this, basil leaves should be added to the leftover food during the eclipse.
What to do during lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan Dosha)
During lunar eclipse, only divine mantras should be chanted, which are considered ten times more fruitful.
After the lunar eclipse, take bath with pure water and donate to the poor, visit temples, donate clothes and give dakshina to the priests.
Donating grass to cows, grains to birds and clothes to the needy during eclipse brings manifold blessings.
