Will Lunar Eclipse Affect Holi Celebrations?

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25 March 2024

This year's first lunar eclipse, is coinciding with Holi, the festival of colours 

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The penumbral eclipse will begin from 10:23 am on Monday morning, reach its maximum at 12:43 PM and conclude by 3:01 PM

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During this time, the night sky will darken for a short time as the moon passes through the shadow

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Due to the lunar eclipse coinciding with the Holi celebrations, there's concern about whether the 'sutak period' will impact the rituals

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According to tradition, sutak period is observed for the time when the lunar eclipse happens

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However, there's no requirement to observe the sutak period because people in India will not be able to view the celestial event

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It's because the eclipse will occur during daytime over India when the moon is below the horizon, making it impossible to observe

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So, Holi rituals and puja can proceed during the auspicious muhurta without hindrance

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The eclipse will be visible in parts of Ireland, Belgium, Spain, England, South Norway, Italy, 

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Portugal, Russia, Germany, the United States, Japan, Switzerland, Netherlands and France

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