Does Sutak Kaal apply on Raksha Bandhan 2026?

No, because the eclipse is not visible from the Indian subcontinent, Sutak Kaal does not apply. Temples remain open and there are no restrictions on eating or rituals.

What time is the Rakhi shubh muhurat?

The Rakhi shubh muhurat on August 28, 2026, is from 05:57 AM to 09:48 AM IST. Bhadra ends before sunrise, leaving the morning clear for celebrations.

When is the next eclipse visible in India?

The earlier total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, was visible in India. The August 2026 lunar and solar eclipses are not visible from the subcontinent, but future visible dates will be updated in our astronomy calendars.

Chandra Grahan 2026: Raksha Bandhan Date, India Time & Sutak

Q: Is the Chandra Grahan visible in India?

No, the deep partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026, occurs mid-morning in India when the Moon is below the horizon, so it is not visible.

Welcome to Zendar Universe! If you are searching for the latest updates on the Chandra Grahan 2026, specifically the lunar eclipse August 2026 India timings, you are in the right place. The Chandra Grahan 28 August 2026 coincides with the Raksha Bandhan 2026 date, prompting questions about the Rakhi 2026 time, Sutak Kaal rules, and whether this deep event will look like a Blood Moon 2026. TL;DR: (1) The eclipse is NOT visible from India as it occurs mid-morning IST with the Moon below the horizon. (2) Sutak Kaal does NOT apply, meaning temples stay open and there are no fasting restrictions. (3) Raksha Bandhan rituals and Rakhi timings are completely unaffected. Let's dive into the astronomical facts.

Is the Chandra Grahan visible in India?

No, this partial lunar eclipse is not visible from India. The event takes place during the daytime on the Indian subcontinent, meaning the Moon will be below the horizon. Visibility is best from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This is the second and final lunar eclipse of 2026; the first was the March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse, which WAS visible in India at moonrise. It also falls in the same eclipse season as the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse, which is similarly not visible in India.

Sutak Kaal: Does it apply on Raksha Bandhan 2026?

Since the idea that the grahan Rakhi par dikhega is factually incorrect for Indian observers, the traditional guidelines are straightforward:

No Sutak Kaal – Because the eclipse is invisible in India, the inauspicious Sutak period does not apply.
Temples Remain Open – Routine pujas and temple schedules continue without interruption.
No Dietary Restrictions – Fasting or avoiding cooking is unnecessary during the eclipse hours.

Chandra Grahan 2026 timings (IST)

For astronomy enthusiasts tracking the event globally, the total duration of the eclipse is approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes, with the partial phase lasting about 3 hours and 18 minutes. According to timeanddate.com, the exact IST contact times are: Penumbral begins at 06:54 AM, Partial begins at 08:04 AM, Maximum eclipse hits at 09:43 AM, Partial ends at 11:22 AM, and the Penumbral phase ends at 12:32 PM.

Raksha Bandhan 2026 date & Rakhi shubh muhurat

With no eclipse restrictions, here are the verified Shravana Purnima timings from Drik Panchang for Friday, August 28, 2026:

Rakhi Shubh Muhurat – ~05:57 AM to 09:48 AM IST. Bhadra ends before sunrise this year, leaving the whole morning clear for rituals.
Purnima Tithi – Begins at 09:08 AM IST on August 27 and ends at 09:48 AM IST on August 28.
Rahu Kaal Alert – If you miss the morning window, be sure to avoid tying Rakhi during Rahu Kaal from 10:46 AM to 12:22 PM IST.

Why it looks like a Blood Moon & How to watch

The August 28 full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius, will feature an umbral magnitude of 0.9319. According to NASA and EclipseWise, approximately 96.2% of the Moon will be obscured, making it one of the deepest partial lunar eclipses of the early 21st century. This extreme depth will give the lunar surface a reddish shadow. While India cannot see it directly, you can watch via NASA and timeanddate live streams. Subscribe to the Zendar Universe newsletter and join our StarTalk Live sessions for more updates, and explore our guides on the Surya Grahan Aug 12 2026 and the science behind the Sturgeon Moon!