March 3, 2026, is not just another date on the calendar. It is a day when the sky quietly puts on a show.The first lunar eclipse of 2026, also known as Chandra Grahan, will take place on this day. It is not the kind of event that needs tickets, planning, or special glasses. All it asks for is a few free minutes in the evening and a clear view of the sky. For many across India, it will be a short but interesting moment to pause and look up.Here is a simple guide to the March 3, 2026, total lunar eclipse in India, with city-wise visibility details.

Total lunar eclipse 2026: Date and key timings in India

According to Time and Date, the eclipse phases in Indian Standard Time are as follows:Start of penumbral phase: 4:58 PM ISTStart of totality: 4:58 PM ISTEnd of totality: 5:32 PM ISTEnd of penumbral phase: 7:53 PM ISTHowever, there is an important detail for viewers in India. The Moon will already be in eclipse as it rises in many parts of the country. This means only the final portion of the eclipse will be visible here.The most noticeable phase for Indian skywatchers will be around sunset. The visible window is expected to last roughly 20 minutes, as the Moon slowly moves out of the Earth’s shadow.So there is no need to stay awake late into the night. Just step out around dusk and look towards the rising Moon.

City-wise visibility: Where totality will be seen in India

Based on the publicly available data by Time and Date, several cities in the Northeast will witness totality, with 100 percent obscuration. Here are selected locations where the total phase is visible:

Dibrugarh, Assam

Obscuration: 100 percentStart: 14:14Maximum: 17:11End: 19:53 ISTTotality duration: 3 hours 27 minutes 8 seconds

Dispur, Assam

Obscuration: 100 percentStart: 14:14Maximum: 17:25End: 19:53 ISTTotality duration: 3 hours 27 minutes 8 seconds

Guwahati, Assam

Obscuration: 100 percentStart: 14:14Maximum: 17:25End: 19:53 ISTTotality duration: 3 hours 27 minutes 8 seconds

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Obscuration: 100 percentStart: 14:14Maximum: 17:17End: 19:53 ISTTotality duration: 3 hours 27 minutes 8 seconds

Shillong, Meghalaya

Obscuration: 100 percentStart: 14:14Maximum: 17:25End: 19:53 ISTTotality duration: 3 hours 27 minutes 8 secondsThese cities will experience full coverage during the total phase, as reflected in the 100 percent obscuration figure in the table. (Source: Time and Date)

What exactly happens during a lunar eclipse

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon. When this alignment happens, the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.Because of this shadow, the Moon can appear darker than usual. In some cases, it may even look slightly reddish.Lunar eclipses occur a few times every year, but not every eclipse is visible from India. That is what makes the March 3, 2026, lunar eclipse worth noting.

How to watch the March 3 lunar eclipse

Watching a lunar eclipse is simple.You do not need any protective glasses. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is completely safe to view with the naked eye. If the sky is clear, you can just step outside and look up at the Moon.Binoculars can give you a closer look, but they are optional. Even without any equipment, the change in the Moon’s appearance can be clearly seen.As March approaches, this is one date many skywatchers may want to remember. It may be brief, but sometimes even a short glimpse of the sky can feel special.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)