Skywatchers worldwide are preparing for the first solar eclipse of 2026, set to occur today (Feb. 17). This will be an annular solar eclipse with a magnitude of 96.3%. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the Moon will not completely cover the Sun. At the peak of the eclipse, the Moon will line up with the Sun's centre, forming a striking, bright “ring of fire.” The annularity will last for around two minutes and 20 seconds at its maximum.
The eclipse will not be visible from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar, the UAE or other Asian countries.
The eclipse will be fully visible across much of Antarctica, including its continental regions and surrounding areas of the Southern Ocean. It will also pass over remote stretches of the southern South Atlantic Ocean.
A partial solar eclipse will also be visible from parts of southern South America, including Argentina and Chile, as well as from portions of southern Africa, the South Atlantic Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean.
According to a report, the eclipse will begin at 3:26 p.m. and end at 7:58 p.m., lasting four hours and 32 minutes.
Surya Grahan: Sutak Time
According to Drik Panchang, the Sutak period is “not applicable” in India. Drik Panchang mentions 'sutak' is observed only when the eclipse is visible at the location under discussion.
As per the Drik Panchang, 'sutak' refers to a period considered inauspicious before a solar (Surya Grahan) or lunar (Chandra Grahan) eclipse. Hindu beliefs hold that during this time, the environment is contaminated, and extra precautions are recommended.
Surya Grahan: Rituals
During the 'sutak' period and the eclipse, food should not be consumed.
After the eclipse, it is recommended to discard any cooked food and consume only freshly prepared meals. Food items that cannot be discarded, such as wheat, rice, cereals, or pickles, should be protected with kusha grass or tulsi leaves. Once the eclipse ends, one should take a bath and perform offerings or charity, which are considered especially beneficial.
Surya Grahan: Astrological Significance
In Hindu tradition, solar eclipses are connected to ancient mythological events. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean for nectar, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to distribute it fairly between gods and demons. A demon named Swarabhanu secretly drank the nectar, and when Vishnu discovered this, he severed the demon's head with his Sudarshan Chakra.
Since Swarabhanu had already consumed the nectar, he remained immortal. His head became known as Rahu and his torso as Ketu, and these two are believed to cause solar and lunar eclipses on new moon and full moon days.
During a Surya Grahan, many devotees follow spiritual practices such as mantra chanting, meditation, and prayers to channel positive energy and reduce any negative effects believed to arise during the eclipse.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
