Lunar Eclipse 2023: The world will witness the first penumbral lunar eclipse of this year on May 5. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow, causing the Moon to turn black. The first lunar eclipse of the year is penumbral, meaning when the Moon passes through the penumbra, the outermost region of Earth’s own shadow. This is different from other eclipses where the Moon passes through the Earth’s umbra, which is the darkest part of its shadow. This time, it is being celebrated in India along with Vaishakh Purnima or Buddha Purnima. The birthday of Gautam Buddha is celebrated on the full moon day of Vaishakh month.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in India?
According to timeanddate.com, the lunar eclipse will be visible at least in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica. The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible in India, and skywatchers will be able to see it if the sky is clear.
SUTAK TIMINGS:
A lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse, called Chandra Grahan and Surya Grahan respectively, also hold special significance in the Hindu calendar. Sutak is the time before and after the solar and lunar eclipses, which are considered inauspicious. According to Drikpanchang.com, Sutak takes place 12 hours before the solar eclipse and 9 hours before the lunar eclipse.
New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune are some of the popular cities in India where the penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible. According to Drikpanchang.com, no sutak is applicable on the penumbral lunar eclipse on 5th May.
CHANDRA GRAHAN TIMING IN INDIA
According to timeanddate.com, the eclipse will begin at 08:44 PM IST on May 5 and end at 01:01 AM IST on May 6. The total duration of the eclipse will be 4 hours 18 minutes. Reportedly, the MP Birla Planetarium said that all phases of the lunar eclipse would be visible from across India.
Lunar Eclipse – Do’s and Don’ts
During an eclipse, there are several dos and don’ts to be followed. There are many beliefs related to Grahan in India. According to Hindu mythology and legends, it is said that cooking or eating should be avoided during the eclipse period.
It is said that after an eclipse one should take a bath and wear new clothes.
After the eclipse, mantras should be chanted for a healthy mind, body and soul.
Durbha grass/dry grass leaves or basil leaves should be kept in the food box in your kitchen and refrigerator. It is believed that this will help protect food items from being affected by the eclipse.
It is believed that pregnant women should stay indoors and chant Sanatan Gopal Mantra for their well-being. Along with this, everyone should chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
It is said that drinking water should be avoided during the eclipse period.
Food should not be cooked or eaten during an eclipse or eclipse.