Chandra Grahan on Nov 8: Do’s and Don’ts to follow during lunar eclipse

Bhubaneswar: The world will witness this year’s last Chandra Grahan on November 8. The lunar eclipse will be visible in the region covering South America, North America, Australia, Asia, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

The total lunar eclipse or the Blood Moon will be visible from all places in India at the time of Moonrise.

According to Positional Astronomy Centre, Kolkata; India Meteorological Department, the beginning of the partial and total phases of the lunar eclipse will not be visible from any places in India as the phenomena will be in progress before Moonrise. Ending of both total and partial phases of lunar eclipse will be visible from the eastern parts of the country. Only the ending of the partial phase will be visible from the rest parts of the country.

The lunar eclipse will begin at 14 hr 39 min IST (2.39 pm). The total eclipse will start at 15 hr 46 min IST (3.46 pm). The ending time of totality is 17h 12m IST (5.12 pm) and the ending time of partial phase is 18h 19m IST (6.19 pm).

Hence, there will be no rituals at temples and homes from 5.54 am onwards on November 8, as per Hindu almanac. The preparation and intake of food will be strictly avoided during the period. The religious rituals and cooking will resume after 6.19 pm on November 8 following ritual bath.

Since the lunar eclipse is occurring on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, the rituals of Boita Bandana will be completed by 4.15 am tomorrow. The devotees observing Kartik Brata in past one month will sail the boats in holy rivers, ponds and watercourses in wee hours before Sunrise.

Lunar Eclipse occurs on a full moon day when the earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon and when all the three objects are aligned. A total lunar eclipse will occur when the whole moon comes under the umbral shadow of the Earth and the partial lunar eclipse occurs when only when a part of the moon comes under shadow of the Earth.

Even though, the lunar eclipse is an astronomical event, it has mythological and astrological relevance as per Indian culture. People exercise certain caution during both solar and lunar eclipses.

There are several rules that have been traditionally followed since ages in India.

DO’s to follow during Chandra Grahan:

1. Take bath before and after lunar eclipse.

2. Take food at least two hours before eclipse.

3. Meditate during lunar eclipse. Chant the hymns of Lord Shiva, Guru and Lord Vishnu during the event.

4. Clean house after Chandra Grahan and sprinkle Gangajal around the house. It brings positivity and protects from ill effects of eclipse.

DON’Ts:

1. Avoid direct exposure to Moon during eclipse.

2. Avoid cooking and eating during eclipse.

3. Do not look at Moon with naked eyes.

4. Pregnant women should not step outside home during eclipse.

5. If you have cooked food, just throw it before eclipse or put a holy basil leaf on it to remove negative effect of Surya Grahan.

6. Put holy basil leaves or Kusha (sacred grass) in water containers to avoid ill effect.

7. Avoid sleeping or stepping out during Grahan.

8. Make sure that the moonlight does not enter your house and cover your doors with curtains.