At the Meenakshi Amman Temple, devotees gathered in large numbers in the early hours to offer prayers before the temple doors were shut
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: Pexels
As the sutak kaal (inauspicious period) of the lunar eclipse began on Tuesday, March 3, morning, temples across several cities, including New Delhi, Kanpur and Madurai, remained closed in view of the celestial event that is set to be the first of the year, after it last appeared in September 2025.
It also coincides with the Indian festival of Holi being celebrated across the country.
Devotees in Madurai offer prayers
At the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, devotees gathered in large numbers in the early hours to offer prayers before the temple doors were shut.
#WATCH | Kanpur, UP: Temples to remain closed today during the 'Sutak Kaal' (inauspicious period) of the lunar eclipse.
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026
Visuals from Nageshwar Shiva Temple. pic.twitter.com/2A5nGfrU9B
A devotee, Gopalakrishnan, who was celebrating his 60th birthday, shared his experience of visiting the temple early in the morning. He said that since the temple authorities had announced a morning closure due to the lunar eclipse, he and his family arrived early to offer prayers. After completing the darshan, he expressed happiness and satisfaction at being able to mark his special day at the temple.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu: Devotee Gopalakrishnan says, "Today is my 60th birthday, so we came to the temple. Since it was announced that the temple would be closed in the morning due to the lunar eclipse, we came early and had darshan. I feel very satisfied and happy." pic.twitter.com/AivF0xgxNh
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026
"Today is my 60th birthday, so we came to the temple. Since it was announced that the temple would be closed in the morning due to the lunar eclipse, we came early and had darshan. I feel very satisfied and happy," said Gopalakrishnan.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: The gates of Shri Ram temple closed as the 'Sutak Kaal' (inauspicious period) begins today, ahead of the Lunar Eclipse. pic.twitter.com/NjYsgnRM69
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026
Valarmathi, another devotee outside the same temple, mentioned that her family also visited early in the day because of the announced closure. She noted that the temple witnessed a heavy rush of devotees in the morning as many people had gathered to complete their darshan before the doors were shut.
#WATCH | Madurai, Tamil Nadu: Temples to remain closed today during the 'Sutak Kaal' (inauspicious period) of the lunar eclipse.
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026
Visuals from Meenakshi Amman Temple pic.twitter.com/U9k8As0LI2
"Due to the lunar eclipse, it was announced that the temple would be closed in the morning. So, we came early today with our family and completed the darshan. As the temple was to be closed in the morning, there was a heavy crowd," said Valarmathi.
Devotion in Kanpur
Meanwhile, a temple priest in Kanpur said this was the first lunar eclipse of the year and that temple doors were closed after the Mangala Aarti. He added that the doors are scheduled to reopen at 7 pm, followed by ritual bathing and adornment of the deity. After the Bhog Aarti, the temple will remain open for devotees until 11 pm.
#WATCH | Kanpur, UP: Temple priest says, "This is the first lunar eclipse of the year. All doors (of the temples) have been closed after Mangala Aarti. At 7:00 pm, all doors will be opened, baths will be given, and adornments will be performed. After Bhog Aarti, the doors will… pic.twitter.com/dQSG9iF3pk
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026
"This is the first lunar eclipse of the year. All doors (of the temples) have been closed after Mangala Aarti. At 7 pm, all doors will be opened, baths will be given, and adornments will be performed. After Bhog Aarti, the doors will remain open until 11 pm," said the priest.
All you need to know about the Lunar Eclipse
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a total lunar eclipse will take place on Tuesday, March 3, across several time zones.
The phenomenon occurs when the entire Moon passes through the Earth's umbral shadow. A partial lunar eclipse, in contrast, takes place when only a part of the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow.
In a post on X, the IMD stated that the total lunar eclipse on March 3 will have a magnitude of 1.155. The eclipse will be visible across India, as well as in parts of Eastern Asia, Australia and the Americas.
In the Indian context, the visibility of the eclipse will vary by region. Most places in the country will observe the ending phase of the lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise. However, in parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the end of the totality phase will also be visible.
According to Indian Standard Time (IST), the celestial event will follow a specific schedule throughout the afternoon and evening. The eclipse is slated to begin at 15:20 (3:20 pm), with the totality phase starting at 16:34 (4:34 pm). The Moon will remain completely within the Earth's shadow until totality ends at 17:33 (5:33 pm), and the entire eclipse cycle will officially conclude at 18:48 (6:48 pm).
(With inputs from ANI)
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