New Delhi, Aug 12, 2026 — The second and last solar eclipse of 2026 begins tonight, falling on Shravan Amavasya (the new moon of the Hindu month of Shravan), in Cancer zodiac sign. Astronomers describe it as a total solar eclipse, occurring when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, fully blocking sunlight and casting parts of the planet into daytime darkness.
According to Drik Panchang, the eclipse will begin at 9:04 PM IST tonight and continue into the early hours of August 13, with most reports placing the end around 1:27–1:28 AM. That puts its duration at roughly four hours and 23–24 minutes. Astrologers say the eclipse will be at its peak effect at 11:16 PM.
Not Visible in India
Despite the buildup, the eclipse will not be visible from India. It will be seen as a total eclipse mainly over Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean, with a partial eclipse visible across Canada, North America and most of Europe, including France and Britain.
Because the eclipse won’t be visible from Indian skies, the sutak kaal — the period of religious restrictions that traditionally begins 12 hours before an eclipse — will not apply in India. Temples will remain open as usual, and there will be no restrictions on prayer, chanting, cooking, eating or auspicious activities during the eclipse window.
Precautions for Areas Where the Eclipse Is Visible
Even though it can’t be seen from India, standard eclipse-viewing precautions apply in regions where it is visible:
- Never look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye — it can damage the retina.
- Use certified solar filters, eclipse glasses or a solar viewer/telescope for safe viewing.
- In areas where the eclipse is visible, pregnant women and elderly people are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and the use of sharp objects during the eclipse period.
Traditionally, people are also encouraged to spend the eclipse period in quiet prayer or meditation, bathe and change into clean clothes once the eclipse ends, sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) at home, and donate food, clothing or sesame seeds to those in need, according to customary practice.