On February 17, 2026, the first solar eclipse of the year is set to take place, with specific timings announced for its phases. The eclipse will begin at 3:26 PM Indian time, reach its peak at 5:42 PM, and conclude by 7:57 PM. It is categorized as an annular solar eclipse that will occur in the Capricorn zodiac sign and the Dhanishta nakshatra, but will not be visible from within India, hence observers there will miss the celestial event entirely.

The article discusses the significance of the Sutak period associated with solar eclipses, which traditionally begins 12 hours before the eclipse and prohibits certain religious practices during this time. However, because the eclipse will not be visible in India, the Sutak period will not be considered valid for the country. This indicates that residents will not be subject to any religious restrictions or prohibitions related to the eclipse, allowing them to continue their daily activities unimpeded.

This solar eclipse, although not observable from India, holds significance mainly from an astronomical perspective. The article emphasizes the scientific and observational aspects of solar phenomena while explaining cultural beliefs related to eclipses, ultimately underscoring the differences between religious practices and the actual astronomical events.