Today a ring of fire will be visible in the sky, know the time of Sutak period in your city and important rules of eclipse:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Today i.e. 17 February 2026 is a very special day for space lovers and those who believe in astrology. today is the first of the year Annular Solar Eclipse It’s going to take. When the Moon covers the central part of the Sun instead of completely covering it, the edge of the Sun looks like a bright ring, which is called ‘Ring of Fire’ It is said.

Solar Eclipse 2026: Date and exact time

According to astronomical calculations, this eclipse will start from noon today and continue till evening according to Indian time:

Eclipse Touch (Beginning): 03:26 pm.

Middle (peak) of eclipse: 05:13 pm.

Salvation (end) of eclipse: 07:57 pm.

Will Sutak period be implemented in India?

Sutak period is considered an inauspicious period which starts 12 hours before the eclipse starts. But this time the situation is different:

Visibility: This solar eclipse will be visible mainly in Antarctica, South Africa and parts of South America.

Situation in India: Since this eclipse will not be visible in India, hence according to the scriptures here Sutak period will not be valid. You can worship and eat normally.

Pregnant women and eclipse precautions

Even though the eclipse may not be visible in India, astrologers advise pregnant women to take some precautions in view of the impact of the energy:

Silent chanting: Meditating on God during eclipse period gives mental peace.

Sharp objects: Avoid using scissors, knives or needles.

Text of Hanuman Chalisa: Chant Hanuman Chalisa or ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya’ to protect yourself from negative energy.

What to do after the eclipse?

From religious point of view, it is considered auspicious to do some special things after the eclipse ends:

Purification: After the eclipse is over, sprinkle Ganga water in the entire house.

Bath and charity: Take bath yourself and donate white food (rice, sugar) or sesame seeds to the poor as per your capacity.

Use of Tulsi: Adding basil leaves to food items beforehand does not affect them negatively due to the eclipse.

scientific importance

For scientists, this eclipse is a great opportunity to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere). NASA and other space agencies will telecast the event live, allowing people around the world to safely watch this amazing spectacle.