Surya Grahan 2025: Second Solar Eclipse of the Year Falls On Mahalaya Amavasya, Who Can See It?

Surya Grahan 2025 Date and Time: The second solar eclipse of 2025 will occur on September 21, and sky enthusiasts around the world will witness the Surya Grahan, a fascinating astronomical event where the Moon moves in front of the Sun, partially blocking its light. This celestial occurrence will take place between 11:59 PM and 3:23 AM (IST) with the important Hindu observance of Mahalaya Amavasya. However, this solar eclipse will not be visible in India, meaning the traditional Sutak Kaal, a period of inauspiciousness in Hindu beliefs, will not be observed in the country.

Surya Grahan 2025 Date and Time

According to astronomical calculations, the solar eclipse will begin late at night around 11 PM on 21st September and continue until about 4 AM on 22nd September. Despite occurring on such a significant day in the Hindu calendar, the eclipse will only be visible in specific parts of the world, including Australia, Antarctica, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as some regions of New Zealand and Antarctica.

It must be noted that the first solar eclipse of 2025 took place earlier in March but was not visible in India either. However, the lunar eclipse 2025 on 7th September will be visible in India and many other countries.

What is the Sutak Period?

In Hindu tradition, a period called Sutak is observed around eclipses, during which auspicious activities are avoided. For a solar eclipse, this Sutak period starts 12 hours before the eclipse begins, while for a lunar eclipse, it starts 9 hours prior to the event. During this time, many people refrain from eating, drinking, performing religious rituals, or traveling. Temples often remain closed as well.

Since the 21st September solar eclipse will not be visible in India, the Sutak period related to this eclipse will not be considered valid in the country.

Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities in many parts of India, particularly in West Bengal and eastern states. It is a day of paying respects to ancestors and invoking the goddess Durga. The coincidence of the solar eclipse with Mahalaya Amavasya this year adds an interesting astronomical aspect to the spiritual day, even though the eclipse will be out of sight for Indian sky-watchers.

The next major eclipse event visible in India before this solar eclipse will be the lunar eclipse on 7th September 2025, which is expected to be seen clearly across the country and many parts of the world.

Stay tuned for more updates on Surya Grahan 2025.