Partial Solar Eclipse 2019: The Aanshik Surya Grahan Do's and Don'ts

Total Solar Eclipse 2019: According to Hindu beliefs, the Earth's atmosphere becomes contaminated during the eclipse and there are certain precautionary measures to be taken to avoid any harmful side effects (2 July), a dramatic total solar eclipse — the only one to occur in 2019 — will obscure skies across South America, giving viewers a spectacular view of the sun as the eclipse. The moon crosses before the sun during a total solar eclipse and casts its shadow on Earth. Most of the totality path of the eclipse will travel across the Pacific Ocean in the south. But when the lunar shadow touches the ground, in a journey lasting about 6 minutes, the eclipse will traverse parts of Chile and Argentina. The eerie midday darkness of a total eclipse, weather permitting, will experience millions of people in those nations. According to NASA, totality will last up to 4 minutes and 3 seconds depending on the location (when the sun is completely dark). People in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay will see a partial eclipse, as well as parts of Brazil, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela, NASA reported.

The world is set to witness the year's first partial solar eclipse. The eclipse would take place on January 6, 2019. Unlike in the total solar eclipse where the Sun is completely obscured, a part of the Sun becomes obscured by the Moon during a partial solar eclipse. Although the partial solar eclipse in India will not be visible, skywatchers can witness the celestial experience on NASA's Twitter handle, the website, and YouTube where it will be streamed live. Indian eclipses are associated with various myths. Some of the dos and don'ts during the Aanshik Surya Grahan are as follows:

Do's:

♦ It is believed that Darbha grass or Tusli leaves must be placed indoors in eatables and water to prevent the Grahan's ill effects.

♦ Many believe that taking a bath after the eclipse and changing new clothes Chanting mantras dedicated to Surya Devta (Sun God) is another practice

♦ Many pregnant women are asked to remain indoors and chant the Santana Gopala Mantra.

Don'ts

♦ Chant mantras like the mantra of Mahamrityunjaya.

♦ During the eclipse period, refrain from drinking water.

♦ Food preparation or eating during Grahan is prohibited.

Date and time must be avoided starting any auspicious task The partial solar eclipse will take place on January 6 at approximately 23:34:08 in UTC, which is Coordinated Universal Time. It's going to last until 03:48:46 UTC. In India, on January 6, it would start at about 5 AM to 9:18 AM.