Solar eclipses are among the most fascinating astronomical events. In 2026, two major Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipses) will occur. However, many people in India are wondering: Will Surya Grahan 2026 be visible in India? What is the date and time? Is Sutak Kaal applicable?
Here is a complete, detailed guide covering everything you need to know about Solar Eclipse 2026.
First Surya Grahan 2026 in India – 17 February 2026 (Annular Solar Eclipse)
Date:
17 February 2026 (Tuesday)
Type of Eclipse:
Annular Solar Eclipse
During an annular eclipse, the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a bright outer ring known as the “Ring of Fire.”
Timing (Indian Standard Time – IST):
- Eclipse Begins: Around 3:26 PM IST
- Maximum Eclipse: Around 5:15 PM IST
- Eclipse Ends: Around 7:57 PM IST
Visibility:
This eclipse will NOT be visible in India.
It will be visible in:
- Parts of South America
- Southern Africa
- Antarctica
- Southern oceans
Sutak Kaal in India:
Since this eclipse is not visible in India, Sutak Kaal will not be applicable as per Hindu religious beliefs.
Second Surya Grahan 2026 – 12 August 2026 (Total Solar Eclipse)
Date:
12 August 2026 (Wednesday)
Type of Eclipse:
Total Solar Eclipse
In a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) becomes visible.
Visibility:
This eclipse will also NOT be visible in India.
It will be visible in:
- Parts of Europe
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Northern Atlantic regions
India Timing:
Though not visible in India, globally the eclipse will occur during afternoon to evening hours (as per respective local times).
Why Solar Eclipse 2026 Is Not Visible in India?
Solar eclipses are only visible from specific regions of the Earth where the Moon’s shadow falls. In 2026, the shadow path does not cross India during either eclipse. Therefore, Indian skywatchers will not be able to witness these celestial events directly.
What Is a Solar Eclipse?
A Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) occurs when:
- The Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun.
- The Moon blocks sunlight partially or completely.
- The shadow of the Moon falls on Earth.
Types of Solar Eclipses:
- Total Solar Eclipse – Sun completely covered.
- Annular Solar Eclipse – Ring of fire visible.
- Partial Solar Eclipse – Only part of the Sun covered.
- Hybrid Eclipse – Rare type shifting between total and annular.
Safety Guidelines for Watching Solar Eclipse
If you are traveling abroad to witness Solar Eclipse 2026:
Religious Significance of Surya Grahan
In Hindu tradition, Surya Grahan is considered spiritually significant. Common practices include:
- Avoiding food during Sutak Kaal
- Chanting mantras
- Taking bath after eclipse
- Temple closures during visible eclipses
However, since both solar eclipses of 2026 are not visible in India, traditional restrictions may not be followed widely.
Summary of Solar Eclipse 2026
| Date | Type | Visible in India? |
|---|---|---|
| 17 February 2026 | Annular Solar Eclipse | No |
| 12 August 2026 | Total Solar Eclipse | No |
There will be two Surya Grahan in 2026, on 17 February and 12 August. However, neither eclipse will be visible in India. Therefore, Sutak Kaal will not be applicable for Indian observers.
While Indian skywatchers may miss these events, astronomy enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting these spectacular celestial shows.
References
1. NASA – Future Solar Eclipses
NASA provides an official list of future solar eclipses including dates and global visibility.
Reference: NASA – Future Eclipses
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/
2. Wikipedia – Solar Eclipse of February 17, 2026
Detailed astronomical information about the Annular Solar Eclipse (Feb 17, 2026) including path, type, and visibility.
Reference: Solar eclipse of February 17, 2026 – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_February_17%2C_2026
3. NASA Eclipse Path Map – February 17, 2026
Official NASA eclipse path map showing the annular eclipse track across the Earth’s surface.
Reference: NASA – SE2026Feb17A Path
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEpath/SEpath2001/SE2026Feb17Apath.html
4. TimeandDate – Annular Solar Eclipse (Feb 17, 2026)
Event details, local times, animation and global visibility across regions for the February eclipse.
Reference: Annular Solar Eclipse – TimeandDate
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2026-february-17
5. Wikipedia – Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026
Astronomical table of events and precise eclipse contact times for the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026.
Reference: Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_August_12%2C_2026
Rajil M P is a seasoned banking professional with over eight years of experience in the Indian banking sector. He has successfully completed the JAIIB and CAIIB examinations conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), reflecting his strong academic foundation and practical expertise in banking, finance, and risk management. He is the founder and editor of IndianBanker.com, a trusted platform focused on banking news, exam preparation, financial updates, and practical tools for banking aspirants, professionals, and informed readers. Drawing from real-world banking experience, Rajil simplifies complex topics such as interest rates, loans, deposits, RBI policies, and government schemes, making them easy to understand and apply.
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