Eclipses (grahan) in 2016
Every solar and lunar eclipse of 2016, with timings and visibility for New Delhi. Sutak applies only where an eclipse is actually visible.
Next eclipse visible from New Delhi: Partial solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
Never look at the Sun directly or through ordinary sunglasses during a solar eclipse — use certified eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector. A lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye.
Total solar eclipse — 9 March 2016
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 9 Mar 2016, 6:37 AM to 6:44 AM
- Maximum (global)
- 9 Mar 2016, 7:27 AM
- Sutak
- 8 Mar 2016, 6:37 PM to 9 Mar 2016, 6:44 AM
Penumbral lunar eclipse — 23 March 2016
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 23 Mar 2016, 6:32 PM to 7:25 PM
- Maximum (global)
- 23 Mar 2016, 5:17 PM
- Penumbral phase
- 23 Mar 2016, 3:09 PM to 7:25 PM
- Sutak
- No sutak — a penumbral eclipse is not observed as a grahan
Annular solar eclipse — 1 September 2016
Not visible from New DelhiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 1 Sept 2016, 2:36 PM
- Sutak
- No sutak in New Delhi
Penumbral lunar eclipse — 17 September 2016
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 16 Sept 2016, 10:24 PM to 17 Sept 2016, 2:24 AM
- Maximum (global)
- 17 Sept 2016, 12:24 AM
- Penumbral phase
- 16 Sept 2016, 10:24 PM to 17 Sept 2016, 2:24 AM
- Sutak
- No sutak — a penumbral eclipse is not observed as a grahan
Sutak and grahan customs
In the Hindu tradition the period before an eclipse is called sutak. It begins 12 hours (4 prahars) before a solar eclipse and 9 hours (3 prahars) before a lunar eclipse, and only where the eclipse is visible. Many families avoid cooking and eating during sutak, keep tulsi leaves in stored food, chant or meditate during the eclipse, and bathe and give charity after it ends. Children, the elderly, the sick and pregnant women are traditionally exempt from the fasting rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many eclipses are there in 2016?
2016 has 2 solar and 2 lunar eclipses.
When is the next eclipse visible from New Delhi?
The next eclipse visible from New Delhi is the partial solar eclipse on 2 August 2027.