Today is the first solar eclipse of the year, ‘Ring of Fire’ will be visible in the sky; Know the time of Sutak period in India and the glory of charity:

Astrology Desk. The first major astronomical and astrological event of the year 2026 is going to happen today, 17 February 2026. Today, ‘annular solar eclipse’ is going to occur on the new moon day of Phalgun month. During this amazing astronomical spectacle, the Moon will come to the center of the Sun and cover it by about 96%, making the edges of the Sun appear like a glowing ring. In the language of science it is called ‘Ring of Fire’.

Know in Amar Ujala’s astrologer’s style, the time, Sutak period and what effect this eclipse will have on your zodiac sign.

Shadow of eclipse in Aquarius and Dhanishtha Nakshatra

This is the first solar eclipse of the year Aquarius And Dhanishtha Nakshatra It’s going to take. According to astrology, Aquarius is the zodiac sign of Saturn and the lord of Dhanishtha Nakshatra is Mars. In such a situation, the eclipse occurring between this conjunction of Saturn and Mars is considered quite influential.

Total duration of eclipse: 4 hours 31 minutes

Start (Indian time): 3:26 pm

Middle (peak) of eclipse: From 5:13 pm to 6:11 pm

termination: At 7:57 pm

Will Sutak be used in India?

According to religious beliefs, ‘Sutak period’ starts 12 hours before the solar eclipse, in which worship and auspicious activities are prohibited. But entire state including Delhi and UP This eclipse will not be visible in India.

Recognition of Sutak: Since this eclipse is not visible in India, here Sutak period will not be valid. * Temple and worship: Temples will remain open in India and there will be no hindrance in daily worship. However, those who believe in astrological calculations can chant the mantra as a precautionary measure.

Where will ‘Ring of Fire’ be seen?

This rare sight will be visible in the countries of the southern hemisphere. This includes areas like Chile, Argentina, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Antarctica.

Today’s other important religious and astrological news

‘Mahamantra’ to avoid ill effects of eclipse

Even if the eclipse is not visible in India, chanting these mantras is considered extremely beneficial for mental peace and removal of negative energy:

Surya Beej Mantra: Om Hram Hrim Hram Sah Surya Namah

Surya Gayatri Mantra: Om Adityaya Vidamahe Divakaraya Dhimahi Tanno Suryaah Prachodayat

Defense Mantra: Yoysau shuldharo rudrashshadkarau vrishavahan. Suryoparagajan Dosham Vinashayatu Always.

Glory of charity: What to do after the eclipse?

According to religious beliefs, bathing and donating after the eclipse leads to inexhaustible virtue. After the eclipse ends this evening or tomorrow morning, donate these things:

Food donation: Donate wheat, rice and pulses to the poor.

Clothing Donation: Gift black or yellow colored clothes to the needy.

Jaggery and sesame: Donation of jaggery and black sesame is best to get the blessings of Sun God.