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A rare celestial spectacle awaits sky-gazers on Sunday night as a total lunar eclipse will be visible across India. Astronomers confirm that the eclipse, also known as the Blood Moon for its deep red appearance, will be clearly visible in all parts of the country.
The event will begin with the penumbral contact at 9:57 pm, followed by the onset of the total eclipse at 11:01 pm.
The eclipse will reach its midpoint at 11:42 pm, before ending its total phase at 12:23 am. The Moon will finally emerge completely from Earth’s shadow at 1:27 am, marking the conclusion of the phenomenon.
As per the traditional practices, the pre-eclipse observance will start at 12:57 PM, nine hours before the event, during which cooking, eating, and religious rituals are avoided.
However, exemptions are extended to children, the elderly, and the ailing. Devotees are expected to take a bath and resume worship in the Brahma Muhurta hours, around 4 AM, after the eclipse.
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Astronomers explained that during the event, the Moon will appear reddish in hue, caused by the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere, creating the stunning Blood Moon. Such total lunar eclipses are considered rare and occur only after long intervals, making tonight’s sighting especially significant for observers.
Special Rituals At Srimandir
In view of the lunar eclipse, special rituals are being observed at the Jagannath Temple (Srimandir). The temple was opened at 2 AM for the beginning of the rituals, which will continue until 12 noon.
After that, from 12:57 PM, cooking will be stopped and no further rituals will be conducted inside the temple. Following the completion of the eclipse at night, the temple will reopen at 2 AM with the Dwaraphita Niti (opening of the temple doors). This will be followed by the Mangala Alati ritual at 2:40 AM.
