The upcoming lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan will take place on July 16 and 17, 2019. The earth will come between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. It will appear as if a chunk of the moon is bitten off. The celestial event will be seen from India, Europe, Africa, South America and Australia. There are many myths about lunar eclipse since the ancient Indian couldn’t explain the astronomical phenomenon. Fearing the Chandra Grahan, they invented a list of dos and don’ts or sutak kaal. As per astrologers, you need to follow some precautions during the lunar eclipse to prevent the changing position of the celestial bodies from affecting our chakras.  Partial Lunar Eclipse 2019 Schedule and Timings in India: Know Where and How to Watch Chandra Grahan on July 16. 

When the Earth casts its shadow on the Moon, a lunar eclipse occurs. And a partial lunar eclipse takes place on the Earth when the Moon partly crosses through the umbra and penumbra, the two types of shadows. According to experts, people in India will be able to watch the lunar eclipse starting from 12:13am on July 17, 2019, and it will reach the maximum eclipse at 3:00am, after a partial lunar eclipse transition at 1:31am. As a whole, the celestial event will be active for 5 hours and 34 minutes, and the partial Chandra Grahan will run for 2 hours and 58 minutes. Lunar Eclipse 2019: Date and Sutak Time in India for Chandra Grahan. 

Chandra Grahan 2019 Sutak Kaal: Tips to Follow for Pregnant Women

  • An expectant mother should not go outside during lunar eclipse and also not see the celestial event with naked eyes. It is believed that if they do so, the child may develop some deformities.

  • A knife or any sharp metal objects is forbidden to use during Sutak Kaal.

  • Individuals are barred from eating anything during a lunar eclipse and also avoid cooking food.

  • Avoid to engage in any household work during the eclipse and take rest.

  • Expectant mothers are advised to take a bath after the eclipse is over to get rid of all the negative energies and rays.

Chandra Grahan 2019 Sutak Kaal: Do’s and Don’ts

  • It is advised to put some Durva grass on all the eatables to maintain purity.

  • Chanting traditional mantra or meditation is highly advised during the Chandra Grahan.

  • Donation or charity during Chandra Grahan is considered auspicious.

  • No significant work should be done or even initiated during Lunar Eclipse.

  • Do not eat or consume anything during the sutak time period.

  • Take bath and clean yourself after Chandra Grahan is over.

This year’s Lunar Eclipse is also significant because of its position. July’s Chandra Grahan is taking place with Guru Purnima and the coincidence occurred after 149 years. The Moon will be half-covered by the Earth’s shadow at maximum eclipse. The next lunar eclipse, as per scientists will take place on May 26, 2021.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2019 07:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).