Chandra Grahan 2025: When and Where to Watch the Lunar Eclipse in India This September
Chandra Grahan 2025: When and Where to Watch Lunar Eclipse in India
Skygazers and spiritual seekers alike are in for a celestial treat this September as the second and final Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) of 2025 graces the night skies. Taking place on September 7, this natural phenomenon will be fully visible from all parts of India, offering a rare blend of astronomical wonder and deep cultural significance.
What is a Lunar Eclipse and Why It Matters
A lunar eclipse unfolds when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to pass through Earth’s shadow. As sunlight is blocked, the Moon appears to darken, sometimes taking on a reddish hue. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye and require no special equipment.
In India, where celestial events often intertwine with cultural beliefs, lunar eclipses are seen as powerful cosmic occurrences. The upcoming eclipse holds even more spiritual weight as it aligns with Pitru Paksha, a sacred period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering and paying homage to one’s ancestors.
When Will the Chandra Grahan Happen?
Here are the detailed timings for the lunar eclipse:
Date: September 7, 2025
Begins at: 9:58 PM IST
Peak Eclipse: 11:42 PM IST
Ends at: 1:26 AM IST on September 8, 2025
Total Duration: 3 hours and 28 minutes
The Moon will gradually move into Earth’s shadow, creating a noticeable dimming that will be visible to the unaided eye.
Where Will It Be Visible?
This lunar eclipse will be visible across all regions of India, offering a wide viewing range. Whether you’re in the north or south, east or west, you’ll be able to witness this stunning celestial display—provided the skies are clear.
Here’s where you can catch it:
- North India: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow
- West India: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune
- South India: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi
- East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati
- Central India: Bhopal, Nagpur, Raipur
Understanding the Sutak Kaal
In Vedic tradition, the time leading up to an eclipse is considered a spiritually sensitive period known as Sutak Kaal. It is believed that cosmic energies are in flux during this time, and certain daily activities are best avoided.
For this eclipse, Sutak Kaal begins at 12:57 PM IST on September 7, exactly 9 hours before the eclipse starts.
During this phase, it is customary to:
- Avoid cooking and eating
- Postpone new beginnings and religious ceremonies
- Practice fasting and mindfulness
- Refrain from touching idols or sacred texts
What makes this eclipse particularly poignant is its overlap with Pitru Paksha, a two-week period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to ancestral remembrance. During this time, many families observe Shradh rituals—prayers and offerings made to departed souls, seeking their blessings and ensuring their peace.
In this context, the lunar eclipse isn’t just a celestial event; it’s also a spiritual reminder of our connection to the past, to the cosmos, and to the unseen energies that influence our lives.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast tracking cosmic events or someone who finds meaning in ancient traditions, the Chandra Grahan on September 7, 2025, is an event worth marking on your calendar. With its full visibility across India, spiritual undertones, and beautiful night-sky display, it’s a chance to pause, observe, and perhaps even reflect under the mysterious glow of an eclipsed moon. Make sure to step outside, look up, and experience one of nature’s most fascinating performances—a moment where science and spirituality meet under the stars.
