First Total Lunar Eclipse of 2026 to Grace Indian Skies Today

Skywatchers across India are set to witness a spectacular total lunar eclipse today, March 3, 2026. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the eclipse will be visible across most regions, with the Moon turning a striking red hue during totality, popularly known as the “blood moon.”

The phenomenon occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon align, and the Moon passes completely into Earth’s umbral shadow. IMD confirmed that this eclipse has a deep magnitude of 1.155, making it one of the most prominent in recent years. Notably, this will be the last total lunar eclipse until late 2028.

Eclipse Timings in India (IST)
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 5:58 PM

Partial Eclipse Begins: 6:56 PM

Total Eclipse Begins: 7:53 PM

Maximum Eclipse: 8:23 PM

Total Eclipse Ends: 8:53 PM

Partial Eclipse Ends: 9:50 PM

Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 10:49 PM

State-wise Visibility
North India (Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan): Clear visibility post-sunset.

East India (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand): Excellent visibility; Moon rises during partial phase.

South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana): Visible throughout; Attukal Pongala coincides with eclipse in Kerala.

West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa): Full visibility during totality.

Northeast (Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura): Moon rises during eclipse; partial visibility initially.

Key Highlights
Event: First total lunar eclipse of 2026.

Date: March 3, 2026.

Duration: Nearly 6 hours globally; ~1 hour totality in India.

Phenomenon: “Blood moon” visible during totality.

Next Total Eclipse: Late 2028.

Sources: Mint – Lunar Eclipse Coverage; ANI – IMD Confirmation; The Economic Times – Eclipse Timings; TimeandDate – India Visibility Details