Blood Moon 2026: Why Holi Is On 4th March, Lunar Eclipse On March 3, Know Timings, Sutak Period And Rituals

The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on 3 March, a day after Holika Dahan. Because the eclipse coincides with the sacred Holi period, the Sutak Kaal will be considered valid. For this reason, Holi celebrations will take place on 4 March instead of 3 March.

The festival of Holi is regarded as extremely auspicious, and the coincidence of a lunar eclipse has created doubts among many people about whether the occasion may bring inauspicious results. However, astrologer P. Chakrapani Upadhyay has clarified that the eclipse will not harm anyone.

In India, the lunar eclipse will begin at 3:20 pm and continue until 6:47 pm. The Sutak period will begin nine hours before the eclipse, meaning it will start at 6:20 am on 3 March and remain effective until the eclipse ends in the evening.

Why Holi Will Be Celebrated on 4 March

This year the Phalgun Purnima will start at 5:55 pm on 2 March and end at 5:07 pm on 3 March. Because the Sutak period begins on the morning of 3 March, Holika Dahan will be performed on 2 March itself, while colour celebrations will shift to the next day.

During the Sutak period, religious traditions advise avoiding worship rituals, touching idols, cooking, or eating food.

Remedies and Precautions During the Eclipse

Traditional beliefs recommend certain practices during a lunar eclipse:

• Avoid consuming food once the Sutak period begins
• Add tulsi leaves to already prepared food
• Pregnant women should remain indoors and avoid using sharp objects
• Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" or "Om Chandraya Namah" mentally
• After the eclipse, take a bath and wear clean clothes
• Donate to the poor, which is considered auspicious

Since the eclipse falls near Holi, devotees are advised to clean the prayer area after the eclipse, sprinkle Ganga water, offer abir and gulal to Radha-Krishna, and present malpua as prasad. People are encouraged to pray for peace and prosperity and then distribute the prasad.

What Causes a Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun and Moon align in a straight line, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon. Such an eclipse always takes place on a full moon night.

Connection Between Lunar Eclipse and Holi

According to traditional belief, the eclipse period increases negative energy, and the Moon is associated with the human mind. Emotional fluctuations may therefore be stronger. At the same time, Holika Dahan symbolises the destruction of negativity, while an eclipse is seen as a moment of self-purification.

Together, the two convey a symbolic message: burn away negativity, purify the mind, and move forward with renewed positivity and enthusiasm.

Disclaimer: This information is based on beliefs and publicly available traditional sources. Readers should consult qualified astrologers or priests before following any rituals. The intention is informational only and not to promote superstition.