Lunar Eclipse 2017: Check out Chandra Grahan and Sutak timings

Pic courtesy: Pixabay image for representation purpose only.

Mumbai: Lunar Eclipse or Solar Eclipse, referred to as Chandra Grahan and Surya Grahan respectively, hold special significances in the Hindu calendar. They are not mere changes in the positions of the celestial bodies but have profound religious meanings too.

On the night of August 7, India, along with a few other countries may be able to experience some effects of the Lunar eclipse.

People in India will be able to see the Penumbral and Partial lunar eclipse. The Penumbral eclipse will begin at 9.22 PM. on August 7 and end at 2.20 AM on August 8. The Partial eclipse will begin at 10.55 PM on August 7 and end 47 minutes after midnight.

The maximum eclipse can be seen at 11.51 PM, astronomy organisation SPACE India said in a statement on Sunday.

The total duration of the Penumbral eclipse is five hours and one minute and that of the Partial eclipse will be one hour and 55 minutes.

The religious significance of Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan:

People in India usually don’t consume food or water, cook or travel during eclipses. Moreover, leftover cooked food is not eaten after the eclipse is over. Also, they consume water or food only after taking bath.

People follow the Sutak and refrain from doing certain activities in this period ahead of the eclipse. This period is considered inauspicious. Children, old and sick people should take extra precaution and not consume food during this period. Even pregnant women are advised to remain indoors until the eclipse gets over. Food grains must be protected by adding Kusha grass or Tulsi leaves so that they don’t get contaminated.

According to Drikpanchang, general Sutak timing begins at 12:44:06 PM (Aug 7) and ends at 00:48:09 AM (Aug 8).

Sutak for kids, old and sick begins - 19:11:30 PM (Aug 7) and ends at 00:48:09 AM (Aug 8).

Temples remain closed during this period and reopen after ritualistic practices.

Lunar and Solar eclipses happen in pairs, with the lunar eclipse happening within two weeks of a solar eclipse.

The August 7 lunar eclipse is associated with the upcoming major August 21 solar eclipse.

(With IANS inputs)