Lunar Eclipse 2024: List of Do’s and Don’ts during Chandra Grahan in India

Skywatchers, rejoice! The first eclipse of 2024 is upon us, and it's a lunar spectacle. Occurring early on the morning of March 25th, this eclipse will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, offering a unique opportunity to witness the Earth's subtle influence on the Moon. This year's lunar eclipse coincides with the Holi festival in India, marking a rare occurrence.

What is a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse?

Unlike a total lunar eclipse where the Moon is completely cloaked in Earth's shadow, a penumbral eclipse is a more delicate affair. Here, the Moon enters the penumbra, the faint outer region of Earth's shadow. This causes a slight dimming of the Moon's surface, but the effect is often subtle to the naked eye.

The beauty of a penumbral eclipse is its accessibility. Unlike a solar eclipse, where special eye protection is crucial, viewing a lunar eclipse is completely safe for your eyes. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance your view, but the eclipse is still observable with the naked eye.

The National History Museum mentions: “When the Moon passes into the outer shadow, we call this a penumbral lunar eclipse. There aren't many noticeable effects during a penumbral eclipse. The Moon only gets very slightly darker, and it is normally difficult to notice, even with a telescope.”

When and Where to See the Lunar Eclipse 2024?

The March 25th eclipse will be visible across much of the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. The eclipse will begin from 10:23 AM on Monday. The Drikpanchang mentions that the eclipse will be at its maximum at 12:43 PM and en at 3:01 PM with a total duration of 4 hours and 36 minutes. 

The upcoming penumbral lunar eclipse will be viewable across much of the Americas, Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe and Asia. Here's a breakdown of where you can see it:

• Visible: Most of Australia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans, Northeast Asia, and some western parts of Europe.
• Not visible: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other countries in western Asia.

What are the Tips to View the Lunar Eclipse 2024?

While a penumbral eclipse is subtle, it's still a fascinating astronomical phenomenon. If you're lucky enough to be in the viewing zone, here are some tips:

• Find a dark location with a clear view of the eastern sky. Light pollution from cities can make it harder to see the faint dimming of the Moon. Look for a spot with open skies and minimal artificial light.
• The naked eye is sufficient for witnessing this eclipse. Binoculars can be helpful, but aren't essential. They might provide a slightly magnified view of the Moon, but the dimming caused by the penumbra is often too subtle to be significantly enhanced.
• Dress warmly. Early mornings can be chilly, especially if you're observing from a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
• Enhance your experience with a smartphone app. Several astronomy apps can provide you with real-time information about the eclipse, including the exact timing of different stages and helpful visualisations of the Moon's position.
• Capture the eclipse (if possible). While photography of a penumbral eclipse can be challenging due to the subtle nature of the dimming, it can be a rewarding project for astrophotography enthusiasts. Using a camera with a telephoto lens and a tripod can help you capture an image of the Moon during the eclipse. You can search online for tutorials and specific camera settings recommendations.
• If you miss the event, you can always search for online resources like photos and livestreams. Many astronomy websites and platforms will be hosting live streams of the eclipse, and you can find photos taken by other observers after the event.

Lunar Eclipse 2024: Do's And Don'ts

There are actually no specific Do's and Don'ts for the general public during the Chandra Grahan of March 25, 2024 in India. This is because the eclipse will not be visible from India.  Traditionally, restrictions are only followed during a lunar eclipse if it is visible in your location.

Drikpanchang mentions that there won’t be any Sutak period for this lunar eclipse and further states: “As it is penumbral eclipse it would not be considered for any religious activities by Hindus. For eclipse watchers also it would not be a significant event as the moon eclipse would hardly be visible through naked eyes. This penumbral eclipse would not be complete as the penumbral shadow of the earth would cover only 95% of the moon during the maximum of the eclipse.”

“If Chandra Grahan is not visible in your city but it is visible some city near to that then you should not observe it. Precautions which are advised during Sutak should be taken only if Chandra Grahan is visible in your city. Chandra Grahan is considered even if the Moon is not visible due to cloudy weather or some other weather conditions,” it adds.

However here are some things that can be followed during Lunar Eclipse 2024: 

Do's

• Take a bath before and after the eclipse: It is believed that taking a bath before the eclipse washes away any impurities and prepares you for the eclipse's energies. Bathing after the eclipse is said to cleanse you of any negativity you may have absorbed during the eclipse.
• Meditate or chant: Meditation and chanting are seen as ways to quiet the mind and connect with your inner self. During a lunar eclipse, it is believed that these practices can help you to harness the eclipse's energy for positive purposes.
• Eat Vegetarian Food: Sattvic foods are those that are considered to be pure and light. They are believed to promote peace, clarity, and well-being. During a lunar eclipse, some people choose to eat only Sattvic foods in order to align themselves with the eclipse's energy.
• Donate to charity: Donating to charity is seen as a way to generate good karma. During a lunar eclipse, some people believe that donating to charity can help to amplify the eclipse's positive effects.

Don'ts

• Cook or eat during the eclipse: Some people believe that cooking or eating during a lunar eclipse can expose you to the eclipse's negative energy. They may choose to avoid cooking or eating altogether, or they may only eat pre-cooked foods.
• Use sharp objects: Sharp objects are seen as symbolic of negativity. Some people believe that using sharp objects during a lunar eclipse can create negativity in your life. They may avoid using sharp objects altogether, or they may be extra careful when using them.
• Sleep during the eclipse: Some people believe that sleeping during a lunar eclipse can lead to negative dreams or nightmares. They may choose to stay awake during the eclipse, or they may take steps to ensure that they get a good night's sleep before or after the eclipse.
• Get stressed or anxious: Stress and anxiety are seen as negative emotions. Some people believe that stress and anxiety can amplify the negative effects of a lunar eclipse. They may practice relaxation techniques or spend time with loved ones in order to maintain a positive state of mind during the eclipse.