Rare alignment after 122 years, the last Lunar Eclipse of the year has begun, Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors

The Rare Eclipse started at 9:58 PM IST on September 7 and will end at 1:26 AM on 8 September. While this astronomical event is considered a rare sight, in India, the eclipse holds a deep significance in human life, rituals and cosmic energies. Astrologers advise pregnant women, children and the elderly to take various precautions. In Hindu tradition, it is believed that during this period, the cosmic energies are disturbed and the environment becomes spiritually contaminated.

What not to do during the Sutak Kaal?
- Food: cooking or eating food is considered prohibited during the Sutak Kaal

- Rituals: religious and auspicious rituals are advised to be postponed throughout the Sutak Kaal.

- Temple and idols: it is advised to not touch idols of gods and goddesses.

- Pregnant women are advised to be more careful during this time. Chopping vegetables, use of knives, scissors should be avoided.

- Isolated places are prohibited: children, elderly and pregnant women are advised to stay indoors and avoid going to isolated places.

The Sutak Kaal is considered to be astrologically sensitive. According to Hindu traditions, the air around the planet during the Grahan is unclean because of the disrupted astronomical energies.

Is it safe to see the Eclipse with naked eyes?
A traditional belief and fear lingers when the Lunar eclipse is talked about. People believe the eclipse shouldn’t be looked at with naked eyes. However, according to scientists, it is completely safe to watch the eclipse with naked eyes and can even use binoculars or a telescope.

During this Chandra Grahan, the Blood Moon would only be visible for a specific period of time. The Blood Moon will be visible from 11PM to 12:22PM IST. During this period the Moon will have a deep red hue. The peak time of the Chandra Grahan is 11:42 PM. The full moon eclipse is a rare phenomenon. The last Full moon eclipse in India was sighted in 2018. The next full moon eclipse will take place on 31 December 2028.

Things to do during the Chandra Grahan

• Chant mantras, bhajans to avoid negative energy.
• It is advised to take a bath before and after the Chandra Grahan.
• After the eclipse, donate food, clothes and other essentials to the poor.
• When the eclipse ends, sprinkle Ganga Jal around the house to destroy negative energies.