Solar Eclipse 2023: Sutak Timings in India, Do's and Don'ts to follow

A rare hybrid solar eclipse is set to grace the sky on Thursday. The first Solar eclipse of 2023 falls on the 'Vaishakh Amavasya', which is the new moon day in the month.

The astronomical event will begin at 7:04 am on April 20 and will end at 12:29 pm on the same day. The hybrid solar eclipse will last for 5 hours and 24 minutes. However, this rare hybrid solar eclipse will not be visible in India.

The solar eclipse occurring on April 20 is called the hybrid because, in some parts of Earth, a total solar eclipse would be visible while in some parts of Earth annular solar eclipse would be visible.

However, people living in western parts of Australia, north-western parts of Papua New Guinea, north-eastern parts of Timor-Leste, and some parts of Indian Ocean and North Pacific Ocean will get the opportunity to witness this mesmerising 'Ring of Fire eclipse. Sky enthusiasts from Lospalos in East Timor will be able to witness the total Solar Eclipse.

Skygazers from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and some parts of Antarctica and south-east Asia will view partial solar eclipse.

The hybrid solar eclipse or the 'Ningaloo Eclipse' will not be visible in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Fiji, Mauritius, UAE and other Asian countries. The eclipse is also not visible from Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Europe and America continents.

Sutak Timings

According to ancient beliefs, the inauspicious time before Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan is known as Sutak. Activities such as Pooja, Mangalik programmes, cooking and eating are prohibited during the eclipse.

Sutak Duration

According to Drikpanchang, Sutak is observed for 12 hours before Solar Eclipse. Sutak is observed only when Eclipse is visible at the place under discussion. Since the solar eclipse is not visible in India, Sutak Kal is not applicable in the country.

Solar Eclipse 2023: Do's and Don'ts to follow

According to popular beliefs, the Earth atmosphere is contaminated during Sutak and extra precautions should be taken to avoid any harmful side effects due to contamination.

All type of food items either solid or liquid are prohibited during solar eclipse.

However, pregnant women, children, sick and old people are allowed to eat Sattvic food.

Pregnant women are strictly advised not to step out of the house during Eclipse.

Pregnant women are also advised not to cut or stitch any cloth or to do any other similar activities as these activities have similar effects on the baby.

Solar Eclipse 2023: Prohibited Activities

According to Drik Panchang, oil massage, drinking water, combing hair, brushing teeth and involving in sexual activities are prohibited during Eclipse.

Rituals After Grahan

It is advised to discard any cooked food and only freshly cooked food should be consumed after Eclipse.

If you have large amounts of food items like wheat, rice, other cereals and pickles and you do not want to waste it, add a few tulsi leaves in it before the grahan begins.

According to Drik Panchang, once eclipse is over one should take bath and making offerings after eclipse is considered highly beneficial.

Mantra(s) to chant during eclipse

Tamomaya Mahabhima Somasuryavimardana।

Hematarapradanena Mama Shantiprado Bhava॥1॥