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Falling on the 8th of April this year, the total solar eclipse or surya grahan as we know it – will take place from 9:12 pm to 2:22 am as per Indian Standard Time (IST). Typically, when an eclipse occurs in India, communities have been known to engage in spiritual activities that involve chanting, organising the recital of the Gayatri Paath or even host a Brahmin individual at home for a sattvic meal to dispel all the negative energy that is believed to emanate from such an occurrence.
The surya grahan, which will be celebrated as Somvati Amavasya in India is dedicated to offering respects to ancestors or forefathers, thus getting rid of Pitru Dosha. On the day of the eclipse, sacred rituals include taking a dip in the holy Ganges, performing rituals around a sacred fire – also known as hawan, engaging in charity or feeding animals. Considered to be a time of reflection and spiritual growth, temples are said to close their doors during the course of the eclipse.
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While the traditions surrounding eating practices around the eclipse are mostly to do with spiritual contamination than scientific ones, the reality suggests that consuming light, sattvic meals that are easy to digest can be helpful in keeping hunger pangs at bay. Giving the digestive system and overall bodily functions a rest during this time period is advisable, sticking to the consumption of light meals or fluids to stay hydrated.
