When to celebrate Holi? Lunar eclipse on Dola Purnima sparks confusion

The first lunar eclipse of the year will occur on March 3, coinciding with Phalguna Purnima, also observed as Dola Purnima. The celestial event is being viewed as significant from both religious and astrological perspectives, particularly in Odisha where temple rituals will align with the eclipse timing.

According to the almanac approved by the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha of Srimandir in Puri, the eclipse will commence at 3:20 pm and conclude at 6:47 pm, lasting a total of 3 hours and 27 minutes. 

Timing And Duration Of Eclipse

Temple sources confirmed that the schedule has been determined as per the prescribed panjika. The total duration and the period of totality have been calculated in accordance with traditional astronomical and religious guidelines followed by the temple authorities.

‘Ghata Kala’ And Fasting Observance

As per astrological texts, the ‘ghata kala’ begins nine hours before the onset of the eclipse. Accordingly, the inauspicious period will start at 6:20 am on March 3 and continue until 6:46 pm. During this time, undertaking auspicious activities, performing rituals or initiating new ventures is traditionally avoided.

Padmanabha Tripathy Sharma, senior servitor at PuriSrimandir, said, “The lunar eclipse will begin at 03:20 pm as per the temple panjika. As per rules, it is essential to begin fasting nine hours before it starts. On the day of the lunar eclipse, the sun will rise at 06:08 am. Therefore, fasting must commence from that time.”

He further stated, “As Dola Purnima is also falling on the same day, according to Jagannath culture, the rituals will begin as soon as the eclipse starts. No other temple observes this practice.”

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Visibility In North-East India

The total lunar eclipse will be clearly visible in parts of West Bengal, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.