NEW DELHI — Skywatchers around the world witnessed a spectacular “total lunar eclipse” on Tuesday, popularly known as a “Blood Moon” due to the Moon’s striking reddish hue during totality.
In India, the celestial event was eagerly awaited as Chandra Grahan. Marking the first lunar eclipse of the year, it carried immense cultural significance as it perfectly coincided with the vibrant preparations for the Holi festival.
The Science Behind the ‘Blood Moon’ A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.
During a total eclipse, the Moon fully enters the Earth’s inner, darkest shadow (the umbra). Instead of going completely dark, sunlight filters through the Earth’s atmosphere. This atmospheric filtering scatters the shorter blue wavelengths, leaving only the longer red wavelengths to bathe the Moon in a coppery, crimson glow—earning it the famous “Blood Moon” moniker.
Visibility and Timings in India For observers in India, the eclipse timeline unfolded precisely:
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3:20 p.m. (IST): The penumbral phase began as the Moon subtly entered the Earth’s outer shadow. Since this occurred in the mid-afternoon, the Moon was still below the horizon for Indian viewers.
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6:26 p.m. (IST): Visibility finally commenced with the moonrise.
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6:33 p.m. – 6:40 p.m. (IST): The peak visibility window opened. The Moon appeared dramatically reddened as it hung low on the eastern horizon.
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6:47 p.m. (IST): The entire eclipse officially concluded.
While the total duration was approximately three hours and 27 minutes (with global totality lasting about 58 minutes), India caught the stunning tail-end. In many parts of central and western India, such as Indore, the Moon rose during or just after the maximum phase, offering a breathtaking view of the eclipsed Moon tinged with red-orange hues against the twilight sky. Viewers in northeastern regions and the islands were treated to even longer glimpses of the totality phase.
Cultural Observances: Sutak Kaal Beyond the science, the event prompted the strict observance of Sutak Kaal, a traditional inauspicious period in Hindu customs.
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Start: Sutak began early in the morning, around 6:20–6:23 a.m. (with some panchangs noting 9:39 a.m.).
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End: The period concluded simultaneously with the end of the eclipse around 6:46–6:47 p.m.
During this window, many citizens paused auspicious activities. Temple visits were restricted in major pilgrimage sites like Tirupati, and devotees followed traditional rituals such as fasting or consuming only sattvic food.
This total lunar eclipse was the last of its kind until late 2028, making it a rare treat. Enthusiasts and photographers shared stunning photos of the Blood Moon rising, perfectly capturing a celestial wonder that seamlessly blended science and tradition.
