(Photo by Yu Kato on Unsplash)
A rare total lunar eclipse, known in India as Chandra Grahan, will light up the sky on March 3, 2026. The celestial event comes close to the festival of Holi, making it even more special for skywatchers across the country.
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, the Moon can take on a reddish hue. In India, most viewers will witness the final phase of the eclipse because moonrise will occur after the eclipse has already progressed significantly.
The total lunar eclipse is expected to begin around 3:20 PM IST. The maximum phase or greatest eclipse, is likely between 6:33 PM and 6:40 PM IST. The event is expected to conclude near 6:47 PM IST.
However, visibility will vary by location. In many Indian cities, the Moon will rise after the totality phase has already taken place. This means most people will observe the Moon emerging from Earth’s shadow rather than witnessing the full eclipse from start to finish.
The North-eastern states are expected to offer the best viewing opportunities. Regions such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura may witness a larger portion of the reddish Moon compared to other parts of the country.
Kolkata and several areas in West Bengal are also likely to get a relatively better view. In contrast, people living in western and northern parts of India will mostly see the final stages of the eclipse due to later moonrise timings.
Here’s how the eclipse is expected to appear across major Indian cities –
| City | Best Time To View Lunar Eclipse |
| Delhi | In Delhi, the Moon is expected to rise around 6:29 PM. By then, the eclipse will be nearing completion and viewers will mostly see the Moon gradually coming out of Earth’s shadow as it climbs higher in the sky.
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| Mumbai
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Moonrise in Mumbai is anticipated at approximately 6:41 PM. Visibility will be quite limited, as the eclipse will almost be over. Only a small portion of the final phase may be visible shortly after the Moon appears. |
| Kolkata | Kolkata stands out among major cities with one of the better viewing windows. The Moon will rise around 5:59 PM, allowing residents to see a larger portion of the eclipse compared to western regions. |
| Bengaluru | Bengaluru may offer slightly better chances. The Moon is expected to rise around 6:22 PM. If weather conditions remain clear, viewers might catch a faint reddish tint during the last phase. |
| Chennai | Chennai is expected to witness moonrise slightly earlier than many northern cities. If the sky remains clear, people may get around 30 minutes or more to observe the eclipse after moonrise. |
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe with the naked eye. There is no need for protective glasses or filters. On a clear evening, simply stepping outside and looking at the sky will be enough.
For a closer look at the Moon’s surface details and its reddish glow, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. Several space agencies are also expected to live-stream the event online, allowing people to watch even if weather conditions or other factors prevent outdoor viewing.
The 2026 total lunar eclipse is considered one of the rarest astronomical events of the year.
(Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Capturing the Blood Moon can be a rewarding experience if done correctly. According to NASA, here are some helpful photography tips.
Modern smartphones are increasingly capable of astrophotography, but they perform best with wide-angle shots. Instead of zooming in excessively, frame the Moon creatively in different ways such as reflected in a lake, positioned between buildings or rising above mountains or trees.
Use a small tripod or universal smartphone holder for stability. If necessary, prop the phone against a bottle or rock, especially since the Moon will be relatively low in the sky during the eclipse.
Timed exposures can reduce blur. Once the composition is set, tap the Moon on the screen to focus and slide your finger down to slightly reduce brightness for better detail.
For higher quality results, shoot in RAW format if your device supports it –
If RAW isn’t available, Night Mode is the next best option.
Newer phones are optimised for low-light photography. Night Mode activates automatically on iPhones, Expert RAW on Samsung allows manual shutter and ISO control, and Pixel’s Astrophotography mode captures detailed long exposures when the phone remains steady.
If your phone offers Pro or Manual mode, experiment with lower ISO settings to reduce grain and slower shutter speeds to allow more light. Small adjustments can significantly enhance sharpness, detail, and colour vibrancy in your lunar eclipse photos.
Answer. The eclipse will take place on March 3, 2026, starting at 3:20 PM IST, peaking between 6:33–6:40 PM IST, and ending near 6:47 PM IST.
Answer. The North-eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura) and Kolkata will offer the best views, while western/northern cities like Delhi and Mumbai will only see the final phase.
Answer. Yes, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe without protective glasses. Binoculars or telescopes can enhance the view, and space agencies may live-stream the event.
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