Solar Eclipse 2023: Date and Time in India

A rare hybrid solar eclipse, which will be seen as ring-shaped in some parts of its path and a total eclipse in others, will occur on 20 April 2023.

As per the Indian Standard Time (IST), the solar eclipse will begin at 7:04 am and end at 12:29 pm. The total time will be for more than five hours.

The rare solar eclipse will be visible in Australia, the Pacific Ocean, East and South Asia, Antarctica, and the Indian Ocean.

Unfortunately, people in India won't be able to see the eclipse, but they can switch to live broadcasts of the event from Western Australia.

What is a hybrid eclipse?

According to Time and Date, a hybrid eclipse is a type of solar eclipse that looks like an annular solar eclipse or a total solar eclipse, depending on the observer's location along the central eclipse path.

During a hybrid solar eclipse, the Earth's curvature brings some sections of the eclipse path into the Moon's umbra, the darkest part of its shadow that creates total solar eclipses, while other areas remain outside the umbra's reach, causing an annular eclipse.

Sutak Duration

According to Drik Panchang, there are total 8 Prahars from Sunrise to Sunrise. Hence Sutak is observed for 12 hours before Solar Eclipse and for 9 hours before Lunar Eclipse. Sutak is observed only when Eclipse is visible at a particular place. Since Solar Eclipse on April 20 is not visible in India. Sutak is not applicable for those living in India.

During Sutak people avoid solid and liquid food items. People should avoid eating during twelve hours before Solar Eclipse. However, for children, pregnant women, sick and old people food should not be restricted.

2023 to witness two solar and two luncal eclipses

April 20: Hybrid Solar Eclipse

May 5: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 14: Annular Solar Eclipse

October 28-29: Lunar Eclipse