The first lunar eclipse of the year is set to take place on March 3, occurring in the Leo zodiac and the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra. According to Indian Standard Time, the eclipse will begin at 3:20 PM and end at 6:46 PM. The Sutak period, a time considered inauspicious, begins nine hours before the eclipse at 6:20 AM on the same day. During this time, various activities are traditionally avoided to maintain spiritual and ritual purity.

During the Sutak period, certain activities such as worship, cooking, and other household chores are forbidden. Specifically, individuals are advised not to engage in prayer or religious rituals as temples will close their doors, and touching deities is prohibited. The guidelines extend to food preparation, as it is believed that food can become impure due to the eclipse's effects. Instead, food that has already been prepared should be kept protected, often with the addition of Tulsi leaves to maintain its sanctity.

Pregnant women are also advised to take extra precautions during the Sutak and eclipse periods. These traditions stem from the belief that the lunar eclipse can impact health and wellbeing. Following these guidelines is considered essential within many communities to ensure that spiritual practices are respected during celestial events like lunar eclipses, reinforcing the importance of cosmic phenomena in cultural traditions.