Skywatchers, astronomy enthusiasts, and Panchang followers across India have a fascinating celestial calendar to look forward to in 2027, with a total of five eclipses—two solar eclipses (Surya Grahan) and three lunar eclipses (Chandra Grahan)—scheduled to unfold across the year. According to astronomical calculations published by NASA, the celestial sequence begins in February 2027 with an annular "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse and a pre-dawn penumbral lunar eclipse, continues with a subtle penumbral lunar event in July, and culminates in August 2027 with two eclipses separated by just fifteen days—highlighted by a dramatic total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Crucially for residents and spiritual observers across New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, only two of the five eclipses in 2027 will be visible from India: the early-morning penumbral lunar eclipse on February 21, 2027 and the partial phase of the solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Understanding which events are visible locally also determines when traditional Sutak period rules apply and when safe solar-viewing precautions are essential.

Complete List of All 5 Solar and Lunar Eclipses in 2027

Unlike years featuring dramatic blood-red total lunar eclipses, all three lunar events in 2027 are penumbral lunar eclipses, whereas the two solar events include both an annular eclipse and a major total solar eclipse. Here is the complete chronological calendar for 2027:

February 2027 Eclipses: Ring of Fire Abroad and Pre-Dawn Lunar Eclipse in India

The year’s first astronomical event takes place on Saturday, February 6, 2027, when the Moon passes centrally in front of the Sun while near its farthest orbital point from Earth, leaving a blazing outer perimeter known as the "Ring of Fire." Because this annular solar eclipse occurs after sunset in India and traverses South America, the Atlantic, and parts of Africa, it will not be visible anywhere in India—meaning no Sutak observances apply domestically.

Exactly two weeks later, on the night of February 20 and early morning of February 21, 2027 (IST), India will witness its first eclipse of the year: a penumbral lunar eclipse. According to NASA timing conversions, the penumbral phase begins around 02:42 AM IST, reaches maximum depth near 04:43 AM IST, and concludes around 06:43 AM IST on February 21. Because the Moon glides solely through Earth’s faint outer shadow (penumbra) rather than the dark inner umbra, skywatchers across India will notice only a gentle, subtle shading across the lunar disc rather than a dramatic darkening.

July 18 Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: Why It Will Barely Be Noticeable

Mid-year brings a second penumbral lunar eclipse on Sunday, July 18, 2027. Astronomical catalogs classify this event as an exceptionally shallow graze of Earth’s outer shadow—so faint that even observers in regions where the Moon is above the horizon will struggle to detect any visual change with the naked eye, and it carries no visible presence or Sutak observance in India.

August 2 Total Solar Eclipse and August 17 Lunar Eclipse: Timings and Eye Safety

The centerpiece astronomical spectacle of 2027 arrives on Monday, August 2, 2027, with a major total solar eclipse. While observers positioned along the narrow path of totality across southern Spain, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula will experience several minutes of eerie daytime darkness, viewers across India will witness a partial solar eclipse during late afternoon and early evening hours. In New Delhi, the partial eclipse runs approximately from 03:53 PM to 05:02 PM IST (peaking around 04:29 PM), whereas cities further south such as Bengaluru will see deeper coverage between 03:58 PM and 05:43 PM IST (peaking near 04:53 PM). Astronomy experts emphasize that a solar eclipse must never be viewed directly with the naked eye—always use ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses or an indirect pinhole projector to prevent permanent retinal injury. Fifteen days later, on August 17, 2027, the year’s final penumbral lunar eclipse will occur during Indian daytime hours, remaining invisible across India.

Sutak Kaal Rules: When Does Sutak Begin for Visible Eclipses in India

In Hindu religious tradition, Sutak Kaal is observed as a period of spiritual restraint preceding a visible eclipse—beginning approximately 12 hours before a solar eclipse and 9 hours before a lunar eclipse, during which temple doors close and devotees avoid cooking, eating, or initiating auspicious ceremonies. Crucially, scriptures stipulate that Sutak applies strictly where an eclipse is visibly perceived. Consequently, the eclipses of February 6, July 18, and August 17 carry zero Sutak in India, while traditional Panchang followers observe formal Sutak primarily ahead of the August 2, 2027 partial solar eclipse (beginning roughly 12 hours prior, around 03:53 AM IST in Delhi).