Eclipses (grahan) in 2026 — Varanasi
Every solar and lunar eclipse of 2026, with timings and visibility for Varanasi. Sutak applies only where an eclipse is actually visible.
Next eclipse visible from Varanasi: 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.
Annular solar eclipse — 17 February 2026
Not visible from VaranasiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 17 Feb 2026, 5:42 PM
- Sutak
- No sutak in Varanasi
Total lunar eclipse — 3 March 2026
Visible from VaranasiPast
- Seen from Varanasi
- 3 Mar 2026, 5:59 PM to 6:47 PM
- Maximum (global)
- 3 Mar 2026, 5:03 PM
- Penumbral phase
- 3 Mar 2026, 2:14 PM to 7:53 PM
- Partial (umbral) phase
- 3 Mar 2026, 3:19 PM to 6:47 PM
- Totality
- 3 Mar 2026, 4:34 PM to 5:33 PM
- Sutak
- 3 Mar 2026, 8:59 AM to 6:47 PM
Total solar eclipse — 12 August 2026
Not visible from VaranasiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 12 Aug 2026, 11:15 PM
- Sutak
- No sutak in Varanasi
Partial lunar eclipse — 28 August 2026
Not visible from VaranasiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 28 Aug 2026, 9:42 AM
- Penumbral phase
- 28 Aug 2026, 6:53 AM to 12:32 PM
- Partial (umbral) phase
- 28 Aug 2026, 8:03 AM to 11:22 AM
- Sutak
- No sutak in Varanasi
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 2026?
2026 has 2 solar and 2 lunar eclipses.
When is the next eclipse visible from Varanasi?
The next eclipse visible from Varanasi is the partial solar eclipse on 2 August 2027.