There are four eclipses in 2026: two solar and two lunar. Visibility varies a lot by region, and that visibility is exactly what determines whether sutak rules traditionally apply.
Solar eclipses
- February 17, 2026: visible mainly over Antarctica and parts of Southern Africa (Cape Town, Zimbabwe, Tanzania). Not visible from India, most of Europe, or most of North America.
- August 12, 2026: a total solar eclipse, path of totality over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, the first total solar eclipse for mainland Europe since 1999. Partial visibility extends across much of Europe, parts of the northern US and most of Canada, and northwestern Africa. Not visible from India.
Lunar eclipses
- March 3, 2026: a total lunar eclipse, visible from India (total in the northeast, partial in most other Indian cities), and widely visible across Asia, Australia, and parts of the Americas.
- August 28, 2026: a partial lunar eclipse, visible from Europe, Africa, North and South America, and parts of Asia-Pacific, but not visible from India.
Why visibility determines sutak
Traditionally, sutak, the period of restrictions before an eclipse (avoiding food preparation, temple closures, and similar practices), only applies where the eclipse can actually be observed. An eclipse that is not visible from your location traditionally carries no sutak obligation there, even though it is happening somewhere on Earth at that moment.
Check your specific location
Visibility can vary even within the broad regions listed here depending on your exact city and local horizon. Confirm with a reliable astronomical source or your local panchang closer to each date.
This information is descriptive.