Longest 21st century solar eclipse seen at various places in India

New Delhi, July 22 (ANI): The longest duration solar eclipse of 21st century was seen in various places of India.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the eclipse began at 5.28 a.m. and it will end at 10.42 a.m. when moon's shadow finally leaves the earth.

Hundreds of enthusiasts gathered in various parts of the country to witness the eclipse.

Enthusiasm was palpable in national capital where hundreds of school children along with their parents, budding scientists gathered at the Nehru planetarium to witness the site.

"It is in the last stage. It is amazing," said, Shruti, a student.

"We are very excited since morning. We have seen 85 per cent as predicted by the scientists and weather forecast person," said Ashok, an enthusiast.

In Haryana, devotees took a holy dip and offered prayers in the early hours when the sun was seen partially eclipsed.

In Patna, hundreds of curious enthusiasts wore goggles trying to catch a glimpse of spectacular sight.

"Initially, there was some rain. It was also quite dark, later we could see it. I saw it for the first time, it was a nice experience," said Lalit, a resident.

Tens of thousands of people snaked through the narrow lanes of Varanasi and gathered for a dip in the Ganges, an act considered to lead to salvation from the cycle of life and death.

Amid chanting of Hindu hymns, men, women and children waded into the river with folded hands and prayed to the sun as it emerged in an overcast sky.

"We have been waiting for this for a long time. I want to describe it in words, it is difficult," said Arvind Kumar, a resident.

In Madhya Pradesh, solar eclipse was clearly visible at Rewa Sidhi and Satna, while it could not be seen at Bhopal and Malwa region due to bad weather. (ANI)