Mumbai: As per Panchang, Chandra Grahan 2024 will occur on September 18, coinciding with Bhadrapada Purnima. While this lunar eclipse won’t be visible in India, the timing of the eclipse, as well as the related Sutak period, holds spiritual significance for many.
Interestingly, the beginning of Pitru Paksha—a period dedicated to paying homage to ancestors—also falls on this day, and after the lunar eclipse concludes, people can perform traditional rituals such as bathing and offerings to ancestors.
In this article, we’ll explore when Sutak will start and how to observe it.
What is Sutak?
The Sutak period refers to a time of spiritual sensitivity, which occurs before an eclipse. For a lunar eclipse, Sutak begins 9 hours before the eclipse itself. During this period, religious activities are paused, and it is believed that any spiritual work performed is less effective due to the negative effects of the eclipse. The Sutak Kaal is a significant part of both Chandra Grahan and Surya Grahan.
Chandra Grahan 2024 in India: Date and Time
The Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse on 18 September 2024 will begin at 6:12 AM and end at 10:17 AM. Although the eclipse will not be visible in most parts of India, some parts of the northwestern and northern regions may witness a faint shadow during the penumbral phase. However, as the main eclipse occurs during daylight, Sutak will not be observed. The Sutak period for this Chandra Grahan will start from 11:45 PM on September 17 and end immediately after the eclipse concludes on September 18.
Where Will the Lunar Eclipse Be Visible?
This partial lunar eclipse will be most visible in the western countries of Africa and Europe, beginning at 7:43 AM IST on September 18, 2024. Those interested in viewing the eclipse should note that in India, the moon will already have set by the time the eclipse begins, so the event will not be visible to most. However, during the penumbral eclipse, a faint shadow may be visible in certain northwestern and northern cities. 2695948
Lunar Eclipse Visibility in Major Indian Cities:
Chandigarh: 6:06 AM
Bikaner: 6:21 AM
Delhi: 6:05 AM
Patiala: 6:08 AM
Mumbai: 6:26 AM
Dharamshala: 6:07 AM
Jammu: 6:13 AM
Dwarka: 6:41 AM
Nashik: 6:22 AM
Jodhpur: 6:23 AM
Sutak Time for Chandra Grahan 2024
For this particular eclipse, the Sutak time starts the night before the eclipse, at 11:45 PM on September 17. Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, Sutak is not applicable in many regions, but traditional practices may still be followed by some.
Sutak Rituals and Guidelines
During the Sutak Kaal, certain rituals and practices are followed, which include:
Eating is generally avoided during Sutak, although pregnant women and those unwell may make exceptions by adding basil leaves to their food.
All religious activities are paused until after the eclipse, at which point temples are reopened, and idols are cleansed with Ganga water.
Activities involving sharp objects, such as cutting or sewing, are avoided during the Sutak period.
Chanting mantras is recommended to counter the negative effects of the eclipse.
A ritual bath is taken after the eclipse to cleanse the body and restore spiritual purity.
Why Sutak is Important
The significance of Sutak lies in its spiritual implications. It’s considered an inauspicious time where negative energy is heightened, and thus, Hindus abstain from food and certain activities to avoid the harmful effects. However, it’s important to remember that Sutak only applies if the eclipse is visible, meaning that for most of India, Sutak will not need to be strictly observed during the Chandra Grahan 2024.
Learn all about the Chandra Grahan 2024, the significance of Sutak, and when it will occur during the September lunar eclipse. Find out the Sutak timings and how to prepare. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
