Liquor to flow after eclipse in Surat

Surat: Along with hundreds of enthusiasts who will get a high watching the total solar eclipse on Wednesday, bootleggers and beggars in the city are also upbeat over this rare celestial spectacle. Many communities in Surat will be donating liquor to the poor, as per tradition, to ward off the so-called evil effects of the eclipse.
On the eve of the celestial event, as most scientists were ensuring that their telescopes were in place, there were many who were busy hunting for booze.���As advised by astrologers, we offer liquor to the poor once the eclipse is over,��� said Bhupendra Galiawala, who runs an eatery near Udhna Darwaja. He believes the eclipse has adverse effect on his horoscope. Galiawala explained that according to rituals, the donor has to wait till the receiver drinks the liquor offered to him. Along with liquor, donors also offer food to beggars.
Anil Kachiwala, resident of Rushabh Apartment, said, ���Liquor is donated to please the ancestors. It is believed that this form of alms help the soul of ancestors attain peace.��� This tradition is followed religiously in old city areas like Salabatpura, Sagrampura, Begampura and Rustampura.