Chandra Grahan 2025: Skygazers across India are in for a celestial treat as the year’s final lunar eclipse, known as Chandra Grahan, unfolds on the night of September 7, 2025, transforming the full moon into a mesmerizing Blood Moon. This total eclipse, coinciding with Bhadrapada Purnima and the start of Pitru Paksha, will be visible nationwide, offering a rare opportunity to witness the moon turning a deep crimson hue for about 82 minutes.
The eclipse begins at 9:58 PM IST on September 7, reaches its peak around 11:42 PM IST, and concludes at 1:26 AM IST on September 8, lasting approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes in total. Unlike partial eclipses, this full event occurs when Earth positions itself directly between the sun and moon, casting a reddish shadow due to atmospheric scattering of sunlight. It’s set in the Aquarius zodiac sign and Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra, adding astrological intrigue for many observers.
In Hindu traditions, this Chandra Grahan holds deep spiritual weight, especially during Pitru Paksha—a period dedicated to honoring ancestors. The Sutak Kaal, a precautionary period, starts 9 hours prior at around 12:58 PM IST on September 7, during which activities like cooking, eating, or starting new ventures are traditionally avoided to maintain purity. Experts recommend practices such as chanting mantras, meditating, or reciting texts like the Hanuman Chalisa to harness positive energies, while advising against consuming food or engaging in auspicious rituals.
Visibility extends beyond India to regions in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, but Indian viewers can enjoy it with the naked eye from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, provided skies are clear. For those unable to step outside, live streams from astronomical sites offer a virtual front-row seat, though nothing beats the thrill of spotting the blood-red moon in person.
This eclipse marks the longest total lunar event of the decade, not to repeat until 2026, making it a must-watch for astronomy enthusiasts and cultural observers alike. While scientifically it’s a harmless alignment, its cultural resonance reminds us of ancient beliefs blending with modern wonder. If you’re planning to capture the moment, use a stable tripod for your phone’s night mode to snap stunning photos of the crimson glow.
