As Earth's shadow moved steadily across the lunar surface, the Moon shifted its shade from a bright white to deeper shades of amber and red. The changing hues drew many to gather on terraces and open grounds for a clear view of the spectacle.
According to temple authorities, the eclipse will commence at 3:21 PM and continue until 6:47 PM. As per established religious customs followed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the temple will be closed from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Former Director (Research and Academic) at MP Birla Planetarium, Dr Debinrosad Duari, said that although a total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, skywatchers in India will only be able to witness a partial phase as the Moon will be below the horizon during the full eclipse.
Temples across India closed their gates on Tuesday as the 'Sutak Kaal' (inauspicious period) began ahead of the first lunar eclipse of the year, with priests saying the doors will reopen after the eclipse ends in the evening.
Hariom Vashishth from Rohtak said he had arrived a day earlier and completed the ritual bath before the eclipse began. He explained that a fast is observed during the sutak period, during which devotees refrain from drinking water, eating food, or performing any rituals. He added that the
Kalkaji Peethadheeshwar Mahant Surendranath Avadhut on Monday said that Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, following the conclusion of the lunar eclipse.
According to the India Meteorological Department, a total lunar eclipse will occur when the whole Moon comes under the umbral shadow of the Earth, and a partial lunar eclipse occurs only when a part of the Moon comes under the shadow of the Earth.
Following the total lunar eclipse that occurred the previous night, devotees in Ayodhya took a holy dip in the River Saryu and offered prayers on Monday morning. This morning, visuals from Ayodhya's Saryu Ghat showed devotees taking a holy bath in the Saryu River.
Devotees in Varanasi took a holy dip in the River Ganga and offered prayers on Monday morning, following the total lunar eclipse that occurred the previous night.