Lunar eclipse on Holi 2025: What time will it start? Will Sutak affect festivities?

While India is gearing up to celebrate Holi on 14th March 2025, there is also going to be a coincidental astronomical occurrence on the same day—the first lunar eclipse in 2025. The event has raised eyebrows and questions among people regarding why it is taking place, how much will it be visible, and how will it impact the celebration of Holi. All you need to know about the upcoming lunar eclipse is here.

Lunar eclipse 2025: Date & time

Indian Standard Time (IST) wise, the eclipse will start at 9:29 AM on 14th March and reach its peak at 3:29 PM. Astrologically, the eclipse will occur in Leo zodiac sign and Nakshatra of Uttara Phalguni. The Moon will be aspected by Saturn and Sun in this case.

Will lunar eclipse be visible In India?

No, this eclipse will not be occurring in India. The eclipse will be visible in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and Asia and Africa. As it will not be occurring in India, there will be no religious implications or restrictions to it.

Is Sutak period applicable?

The next lunar eclipse will be a penumbral eclipse, and Hindu religious tradition does not place much importance on the type of eclipse. Therefore, there would be no Sutak time to be followed in India. Sutak would otherwise take place nine hours before the lunar eclipse, but for other temple worship-related activities, rituals, and lunch. Since the eclipse itself will not be visible in India, there will be no kind of bans. 

Since this is a penumbral eclipse and will not be visible in India, there will be no effect on Holi festivities. Religious rituals and festivals can be held without hindrance.

Precautions & beliefs around lunar eclipses

Eclipse will not be in a position to do any harm to the day-to-day life of India, but eclipses affect human energies and feelings indirectly, say the astrologists. The temples were being already pre-opened ahead of time for prayer after post-eclipse purification ritual alone, but it may be implemented only if Sutak is done. Nothing special needs to be done here.

Significance of a lunar eclipse

The Moon in astrology is very significant and secondary to the Sun. It governs mind, emotions, and watery material on the Earth. The Moon, according to science, has a pull of gravity that causes tides and bodies of water, making it a very significant body. Although the major activity of the Moon such as full eclipses can be viewed to affect humankind, penumbral eclipses do not affect humankind.