Last Lunar Eclipse in August 2026 Will Not Be Visible in India
Read more
Aaj Tak
www.aajtak.in

Last Lunar Eclipse in August 2026 Will Not Be Visible in India

According to astronomical and religious beliefs, the second and final lunar eclipse of 2026, which will occur on August 28th, is considered an event of great significance. This day coincides with the celebration of the sacred festival of Shravani Purnima, known as Raksha Bandhan, and also falls during the Agni Panchak period. The coincidence of the festival, panchaka, and lunar eclipse raises many questions among people regarding whether the Sutak period will be effective and how this will affect the observance of Raksha Bandhan.

When and at what time will the last lunar eclipse of 2026 occur?

The last and second lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28th. It will be a partial lunar eclipse occurring in the sign of Aquarius and in the Nakshatra Shatabhisha. The beginning of the lunar eclipse itself is expected at 6:55 AM, while the start of the partial eclipse will be at 8:04 AM. The event is slated to conclude at 12:30 PM, with the peak time of the eclipse falling at 9:43 AM.

Will this lunar eclipse be visible in India?

This lunar eclipse will not be visible on the territory of India. According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the eclipse will begin in the morning, after sunrise in India, when the Moon will already be below the horizon. The main areas where this eclipse will be observed include America, Europe, Africa, as well as regions in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Rules of the Sutak Period

Even though the second and last lunar eclipse of the year will not be visible in India, residents of countries where it will be observed should adhere to the rules of the Sutak period. According to widely accepted scriptures, 'Yasya darshanam naasti, tasya sutakam naasti,' which means that where the eclipse is not visible, its religious influence or Sutak period is not considered valid. Consequently, there is no need in India to follow any Sutak rules, such as prohibitions on worship, cooking, or consuming food.

Impact of the Eclipse on Raksha Bandhan

The Raksha Bandhan festival is celebrated specifically on August 28th. Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, neither the eclipse nor the Sutak will have any impact at the time of tying the Rakhi ceremony. Sisters can choose a favorable moment without fear or anxiety to tie the sacred thread to their brother. Furthermore, temples will remain open, and all religious rituals will proceed as usual.

Rare Coincidence of Agni Panchak and Lunar Eclipse

In scriptures, the Panchak period starting on Tuesday is called Agni Panchak. Agni Panchak began on Tuesday, August 25th, and will last until August 29th. During this period, there is a risk of fire, injuries from tools, and disputes. The coincidence of the lunar eclipse with Agni Panchak intensifies cosmic activity. Although Sutak will not occur in India, caution is recommended regarding fire, electrical appliances, housing construction, and travel south due to Agni Panchak.

What to do and what to avoid during the eclipse?

Even if the eclipse is not visible in India, from an astrological perspective, some general precautions can be taken to maintain peace of mind and planetary harmony. Due to the full moon phase, it is highly auspicious to make donations of grain, clothing, milk, and til. To calm the influence of the Moon, it is recommended to repeat the mantra 'Om Somaya Namah' or recite the Panchakshari mantra of Lord Shiva.

Similar stories

Lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026; astrologers advise caution to five signs
Read more
www.aajtak.in

Lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026; astrologers advise caution to five signs

The last week of August is considered very significant from religious and astrological perspectives. On August 28, 2026, the second and final lunar eclipse of this year will take place. From an astronomical point of view, this will be a deep partial lunar eclipse, during which most of the Moon will enter the Earth's deep shadow. However, this eclipse will not be visible in India.

According to astrological beliefs, this eclipse will occur in the sign of Capricorn and in the constellation Shatabhisha. Therefore, some zodiac signs are advised to exercise special caution regarding issues related to mental stress, finances, career, and relationships. It is important to remember that the influence on zodiac signs should be viewed only as an astrological belief, not as a scientific forecast.

Taurus natives are advised to be cautious with financial matters. They should avoid making investment decisions or large expenditures without complete information. It is also better to refrain from hasty actions at work, as a recurrence of old disputes may lead to problems.

For people born under the sign of Cancer, astrologers suggest that the eclipse's influence may manifest as mental confusion and expenses. During this period, they should avoid making decisions based on emotions. When discussing family matters, it is best to maintain composure.

Leo natives are advised to be attentive in matters of relationships and partnerships. Misunderstandings with loved ones are possible. Instead of rushing into important decisions related to work or business, it is better to think them through carefully.

Scorpio natives should monitor their spending and activities during this period. Unexpected additional responsibilities may arise. To avoid stress, it is recommended to focus on rest and daily routine, and to verify facts instead of blindly trusting anyone.

For Pisces, this time may require caution regarding health, finances, and personal connections. The need for unnecessary expenses may increase. Before making any major financial decision, it is better to consult a specialist, and one should also avoid stress over trifles.

According to astrological calculations, the lunar eclipse on August 28 will occur in the sign of Capricorn during the constellation Shatabhisha. Since the Moon is considered a factor of mind and emotions in astrology, this eclipse is viewed in the context of mental state and emotional fluctuations.

According to Indian time, the global phase of the eclipse began around 6:53 AM on August 28 and lasted until approximately 12:32 PM. The peak phase is expected around 9:40–9:45 AM.

An important point is that this lunar eclipse will not be visible from India. Consequently, according to common religious beliefs in India, the Sutak Kaal period will also not be considered valid. Regarding the visibility of the eclipse and religious rules, local panchang traditions should be prioritized.

Those who adhere to astrological beliefs are advised to avoid unnecessary disputes, hasty major decisions, and ill-considered investments during this period. It is also considered auspicious to dedicate time to meditation, chanting mantras, and positive activities.

On the 2026 lunar eclipse: Will Sutuk be observed in India during Raksha Bandhan?
Read more
www.aajtak.in

On the 2026 lunar eclipse: Will Sutuk be observed in India during Raksha Bandhan?

The last lunar eclipse of the year will occur on August 28th. This eclipse falls on the day of the Raksha Bandhan festival. According to astrological data, it takes place in the Aquarius sign and the Shatabhisha nakshatra. A lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon where the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon. In Hindu tradition, a lunar eclipse is considered an inauspicious event during which religious rituals and auspicious deeds are prohibited.

Since many questions arise among people regarding the upcoming eclipse—such as its start time, whether it will be visible in India, and the validity of the sutuk period—astrologer Pravin Mishra has provided answers.

A partial lunar eclipse will take place on August 28th, the day of Raksha Bandhan. According to Indian time, it will begin at 8:05 AM and end at 11:22 AM, with the peak of the eclipse occurring around 9:43 AM. Since it will be daytime in India at this time, the eclipse will not be visible, and consequently, the associated religious rules will not apply.

The astrologer explained that the sutuk period is valid only in locations where the eclipse is actually observed. As the lunar eclipse on August 28th will not be visible in India, the sutuk period will not occur there. This means there will be no restrictions on performing auspicious deeds or religious practices, and temple doors across the country will remain open for regular worship.

The Raksha Bandhan festival will be celebrated on August 28th. Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, sisters can tie rakhis to their brothers without any worries, and the religious rituals of the festival will not be affected; the brother and sister can celebrate this festival as usual.

This lunar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. Residents of India located in these regions must follow the religious rules associated with the eclipse, including observing sutuk, and they have been advised to adhere to other relevant norms.

Advice for Brothers and Sisters

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, one should avoid arguments over trivial matters. Brothers and sisters are advised not to exacerbate disagreements and to celebrate the festival in a peaceful environment. They are also advised to drive cautiously while traveling, avoiding haste and high speeds.

Recommendations for Donations and Mantras

People residing in regions where the eclipse is visible are recommended to chant the mantra of their deity during the event. It is suggested to chant the mantra of Lord Shiva, 'Om Namah Shivaya'. After the eclipse ends, it is necessary to donate rice, beans, flour, seasonal fruits, and charity to those in need.

Information on the 2026 Lunar Eclipse: Impact on Raksha Bandhan Celebrations and Sutuk Rules
Read more
www.aajtak.in

Information on the 2026 Lunar Eclipse: Impact on Raksha Bandhan Celebrations and Sutuk Rules

The festival of Raksha Bandhan, which symbolizes the unbreakable love and bond between a brother and sister, has gained special resonance this year. The reason for this is the second and final lunar eclipse of the year, which will occur on the day of Savan Purnima, i.e., the day of Raksha Bandhan. The appearance of this astronomical event has caused confusion among people regarding whether the ban on tying rakhi or the Sutuk period will be affected.

When and at what time will the last lunar eclipse of the year occur?

According to the astronomical calendar, the second lunar eclipse of 2026 will be a partial lunar eclipse and will take place on August 28, 2026. The start of the lunar eclipse is scheduled for approximately 08:04 AM on August 28. The peak impact of the eclipse is expected from 09:42 to 09:43 AM, and the partial eclipse will end at 11:21 AM, with the complete conclusion of the eclipse occurring at 12:31 PM.

Will the lunar eclipse be visible in India?

The main question concerned the possibility of observing this astronomical event by residents of India. However, it was found that since this lunar eclipse occurs in the morning according to Indian time, it will not be visible in India. This eclipse will be observable in parts of Europe, West Asia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and Antarctica.

Will the Sutuk period be in effect in India?

According to religious beliefs, the Sutuk period for any lunar eclipse begins 9 hours before the eclipse itself starts. During this time, temple doors are closed, and any auspicious or ritualistic activities are considered forbidden. Since this lunar eclipse will not be visible in India, its Sutuk period is completely invalid for India.

Impact of the lunar eclipse on Raksha Bandhan and the time for tying rakhi

Since the Sutuk period and the eclipse itself do not affect India, the country's residents should not worry. Sisters can tie the sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists with traditional joy without any restrictions. Nevertheless, on the day of the festival, it is crucial to consider inauspicious moments, such as the Bhadra or Rahukala periods, according to the calendar, and tie the rakhis during an auspicious time.

Under which zodiac sign does this eclipse fall?

According to astrological calculations, this last lunar eclipse of the year occurs near the Aquarius sign and in the Shatabhisha/Dhanishta nakshatra, where the influence of the planet Rahu is already present. As a result, an eclipse yoga forms in the celestial sphere, which can manifest in the life, career, and business of all 12 zodiac signs in various ways.

Popular