Chandra Grahan 2023: Sutak kaal time, dos and don'ts to follow during lunar eclipse

The world will witness the first lunar eclipse on Friday, May 5. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse will begin at 08.44 pm as per and end at 01,01 am on May 6, 2023, lasting for 4 hours 18 minutes.

What is a lunar eclipse?

According to the American space agency NASA, A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon passes into Earth's shadow. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra. When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called "Blood Moons" because of this phenomenon.

While eclipses are considered an astronomical treat, they are also associated with many popular myths. During ancient times, eclipses were regarded as bad omen and people used to follow some general practices to get rid of the negative energy produced during eclipses. However, they are not scientifically supported.

Lunar eclipse 2023: Timings and Sutak period

• Lunar Eclipse 2023 will be visible across the globe including India, Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica.
• According to Drik Panchang, Sutak is observed 9 hours before the Lunar Eclipse.
• First Contact with the Penumbra - 08:44 pm
• Maximum of Lunar Eclipse - 10:53 pm
• Last Contact with the Penumbra - 01:01 pm, May 06
• Duration of Penumbral Phase - 04 hours and 18 minutes
• Magnitude of Penumbral Lunar Eclipse - 0.95

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Here is a list of dos and don'ts

1. People usually avoid going out of the house during lunar or solar eclipses because they may emit harmful rays.
2. Children are not allowed to leave the house during the lunar eclipse, nor allowed to watch it alone.
3. No puja or other auspicious activities will be performed during this time.
4. Even pregnant women should avoid leaving the house during the lunar eclipse
5. People believe that chanting holy mantras and meditating for hours to ward off evil energy.
6. In some cases, people also close windows and draw curtains during the eclipse.
7. People also believe that bathing before and after the eclipse is beneficial.
8. Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited during a lunar eclipse as people believe that the powerful rays of cosmic planets during a celestial event can damage the properties of food.
9. Some people also add Tulsi or basil leaves to food to purify the negativity after the eclipse.
10. Scientifically, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe with the naked eye.