Today is the first Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) and it coincides with Holi, making this a rare cultural alignment. As the grahan overlaps the Holi festival, a common question arises: what to eat and when to eat during the grahan? So, The CSR Journal brings the complete details regarding the timings, what to eat and when to eat.

What is the Key Eclipse Phases

1.The first contact with penumbra is 02:16 PM
2.The first contact with Umbra is at 3:21 PM
3.The total Eclipse starts at 4:35 PM
4.The maximum Eclipse is at 5:04 PM
5.The total phase ends at 5:33 PM
6.Last contact with Umbra was at 6:46 PM
7.Last contact with Penumbra is 07:52 PM

What are the moonrise time and visibility window in India?

In India moon rise happens at 06:26 PM in India and Eclipse will be seen between 6:26 PM to 06:46 PM, so the total visibility will be for 20 minutes. Even though the Eclipse will remain for prolonged hours, it will be visible in India for only 20 minutes.

When does the Sutak Kaal 2026 start?

In the Drik Panchang it is mentioned that the Sutak Kaal for Chandra Grahan will start from 09:39 AM and ends at 6:46 PM. As per Hindu customary, devotees do not cook, eat or enter temple at this time. So people are curious to know, what they can eat during the chandra grahan 2026.

One can cook before sutak starts, before 9.39 am and it is advisable to complete meals before the start of the sutak. However, if someone wants to eat during sutak (9:39 AM to 6:46 PM) then tulsi leaves can be added in cooked food and consumed. However, it is better to avoid food, but exceptions exist for children, those unwell and elderly individuals. After sutak ends (6:46 PM), one should bath and fresh food should be prepared. First do purification and then start cooking.

What Can Be Eaten During Sutak Kaal?

1. Food prepared before sutak kaal can be consumed, but Tulsi should be added to it

2. Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, pomegranates, and seasonal options are safe options.

3. Plain water with tulsi added is safe. Dry Fruits and Nuts

In case if you are unwell and need to eat, something light without onion and garlic is advised.

What is Blood Moon phenomena?

When the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, and sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue light and casting a reddish hue on the Moon, this phenomenon is known as a Blood Moon.

What to do during the Visible Eclipse (6:26 PM – 6:46 PM)?

During the visible eclipse, one must sit quietly, avoid unnecessary screen time and chant moon mantras and perform naam japa, and maintain a spiritual environment.

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