Surya Grahan 2026: Will the annular solar eclipse be visible in India? Will Sutak Kaal apply

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will create a rare “Ring of Fire” in the sky.
The Moon will cover most of the Sun, leaving a glowing outer ring visible.
However, visibility and religious observances vary by region.

What happened:
An annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026, with the Moon covering about 96% of the Sun’s centre.

Why it matters now:
It is the first solar eclipse of 2026 and a scientifically striking celestial event, though visible only in limited parts of the world.

What changes for people:
Skywatchers in select regions may witness the eclipse, while religious restrictions tied to eclipses will not apply in India.

Who is affected:
Astronomy enthusiasts, religious followers, and observers in parts of Antarctica, South America, and Africa.

What kind of solar eclipse is this?

The February 17 event is an annular solar eclipse, often called the “Ring of Fire.” According to NASA, this happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun while it is at its farthest point from Earth.

Because the Moon appears slightly smaller than the Sun, it cannot block sunlight completely. Instead, a bright ring remains visible around the Moon, creating the dramatic ring-like appearance.

Date, time, and duration

The eclipse will begin at 07:01 UTC, which is around 12:31 pm IST on February 17. The annular phase will last for up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds, during which the Sun’s centre will be mostly obscured.

Will the annular solar eclipse be visible in India?

No. The annular solar eclipse will not be visible from India. During the event, the Sun will be below the horizon across the country.

The annular phase will be visible mainly in remote parts of Antarctica, while a partial eclipse may be seen from southern South America and southern Africa. Limited visibility means only a very small number of people worldwide are expected to witness the full ring effect.

Eclipse expert Jay Anderson has noted that the annular zone passes through extremely inaccessible regions, with almost no tourist-ready locations.

Is Sutak Kaal applicable in India?

No, Sutak Kaal will not be applicable in India for this eclipse. As per traditional beliefs, Sutak Kaal begins about 12 hours before a solar eclipse, but it is observed only if the eclipse is visible from a particular location.

Since this eclipse cannot be seen from India, the Sutak period is not considered valid in the country.

What’s next after this eclipse?

This will be the first of several upcoming annular eclipses around the world. Future “Ring of Fire” eclipses are expected in 2027, 2028, and 2030, passing over regions in South America, Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Bottom line:
The February 17, 2026 annular solar eclipse will be a striking global event, but it will not be visible in India, and Sutak Kaal will not apply.

What to watch next:
Updates on future eclipses visible from India and opportunities for Indian skywatchers to observe upcoming partial or total solar eclipses.