August Eclipse 2026: August 2026 is going to be very special from religious and astronomical point of view. This month, two major eclipses are occurring around Shravan Amavasya and Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan).
In such a situation, the question in the minds of many people is whether the effect of these eclipses will remain in India also? Will Rakshabandhan and other religious functions be affected? Will the doors of temples remain closed and Sutak period will be valid? Let us know the complete information.
When will solar and lunar eclipses occur in August 2026?
According to the calendar, the first eclipse of August will take place on 12 August 2026. This will be a total solar eclipse, which will start from 9:04 pm Indian time and will last till 4:25 am on August 13. This eclipse will be visible mainly in Spain, Greenland, Iceland, Russia and parts of Europe.
After this, a lunar eclipse will occur on 28 August 2026. According to Indian time, it will start from 8:04 am and will last till 11:22 am. This eclipse will be visible in many countries including Africa, Europe, North and South America, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Will both eclipses be visible in India?
According to astronomical information, both the eclipses of August 2026 will not be visible in India. This is the reason that according to religious beliefs, the Sutak period of these eclipses will not be considered effective in India.
Will Rakshabandhan and Shravan Amavasya be affected?
Since both the eclipses will not be visible in India, hence according to religious beliefs, they will not be considered to have any impact on Shravan Amavasya, Rakshabandhan and other pujas or auspicious functions. Devotees will be able to observe fasts, pujas and festivals normally.
Will there be Sutak period?
According to religious beliefs, at a place where the eclipse is not visible, its Sutak period is not valid. Therefore, Sutak will not be observed during these two eclipses in India in August 2026. The doors of temples will remain open normally and there will be no ban on marriages, worship, donations or other auspicious functions.
After all, what is Sutak period?
Sutak period is considered to be the time before the eclipse, in which, according to religious traditions, one refrains from doing some auspicious work.
- The Sutak of the solar eclipse is considered to start about 12 hours before.
- The sutak of lunar eclipse is considered to start about 9 hours before.
However, this rule is considered to apply only to visual eclipses.
According to astrologer Nitika Sharma, an eclipse is considered to have a religious effect only when it is visible in the concerned area. Both the eclipses of August 2026 are not visible in India, hence Sutak period will not be valid here and devotees can perform worship and religious rituals normally.
He says that eclipse is an important astronomical event, but there should be no confusion or unnecessary fear regarding it. It is considered appropriate to follow religious traditions with devotion and discretion.
FAQ
How many eclipses will occur in August 2026?
There will be two eclipses in August 2026 – solar eclipse on 12th August and lunar eclipse on 28th August.
Will both these eclipses be visible in India?
No, both eclipses will not be visible in India.
Will the eclipse affect Rakshabandhan?
According to religious beliefs, since the eclipse is not visible in India, it will not have any effect on Rakshabandhan.
Will Sutak period be valid in August 2026?
No. Both eclipses are not visible in India, hence Sutak period will not be valid.
Will temples remain closed due to eclipse?
According to religious beliefs, due to the absence of a visible eclipse in India, the doors of temples will remain open normally.
Also read- Kanwar Yatra 2026: What is the correct religious method of offering water? Even a small mistake can render the journey incomplete.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com Does not constitute any endorsement or verification of information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.
