Lunar Eclipse 2020: Dos and don'ts one must keep in mind during Chandra Grahan
New Delhi : A lunar eclipse is likely to be seen between July 4 and July 5 in many parts of the world. It will be visible in parts of Africa and America. As per India timings, the eclipse will start from 08:30 AM IST, reach its peak at 09:59 AM IST and end around at 11:21 AM IST.
While such celestial event are more than a treat to watch, there have been several traditional beliefs that people should not ideally eat or work during the duration of the eclipse. Here are some dos and don'ts in accordance.
According to modern science, eclipses, particularly lunar eclipses are absolutely safe and carry no repercussions. However, traditional mythology and religious texts consider eclipses to be a bad omen, and hence, some rules were set in place. Here is a list of dos and don'ts you might want to know about:
- It is believed that powerful rays of cosmic planets during an eclipse can ruin the properties of food and hence, it's best that any type of preserved, raw or pre-cooked meals are avoided. Meanwhile, we must tell you that there is no scientific acceptance of the claim.
- Some more modern institutions say that food is exposed to ultraviolet rays, so it's best if one stays safe from ill-effects of food contamination.
- Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are absolutely safe to watch with a naked eye.
- There is one more belief that pregnant women must not step outside during the eclipse and they should also stay away from any sharp object. Again, this has no scientific explanation.
-Traditional beliefs also dictate that people must shower or have a head bath post an eclipse, since, in many cultures, eclipses are considered to be a sign of "impurity" or "bad omen".
-Some cultures also forbid against people having intercourse, or sleeping during the eclipse since it is considered inauspicious.
-To "purify" the negativity post the eclipse, one should add holy basil leaves or seeds to food.
-Some households also believe in chanting the holy mantras, meditating for hours to ward off any evil energy from the day's events.
