‘Unholi(y)’ overlapping coming up as Lunar eclipse and Holi come on the same day?

During the colourful Holi celebrations, the first Lunar Eclipse of 2024 is scheduled to occur in a celestial convergence of cosmic awe and cultural importance. This Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, which is set for March 25, will light up the night sky as Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, creating a soft shadow on the moon's surface on the festive occasion of a Full Moon. 

Lunar eclipses, in contrast to their solar eclipse, are a mesmerising sight that can be seen by skywatchers everywhere and don't require specialist equipment to observe. Fans can't wait to see this beautiful fusion of astrological wonders and cultural customs as India celebrates the Festival of Colours, which heralds the arrival of spring.

Lunar Eclipse Myths 

Lunar eclipses have captivated human imagination throughout history, inspiring a plethora of myths and legends across diverse cultures. In Hindu mythology, the demon Rahu is believed to swallow the moon during an eclipse, causing it to vanish temporarily. The Incas attributed lunar eclipses to a jaguar attacking the moon, and they would create noise to scare it away. Similarly, in Mesopotamian culture, lunar eclipses symbolized an attack on the king, leading to the installation of a substitute king to endure the perceived assault. These myths highlight humanity's innate quest to comprehend and imbue meaning into natural phenomena, often ascribing them to supernatural or divine forces. Despite lacking scientific grounding, these tales endure, enriching our cultural understanding of celestial events and the mysteries of the cosmos.

What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?

When the Moon passes through the penumbra, or dim outer part of Earth's shadow, a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs. This occurrence causes the Moon's brightness to slightly decrease, which frequently causes misunderstanding with a regular Full Moon. 

NASA observes that it can be difficult to see the dimming because it is so tiny. Penumbral lunar eclipses are therefore less spectacular than other kinds of lunar eclipses.

On March 25, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. It will start at 10:23 am and end at 03:02 pm. This alignment, which falls on Holi, is a unique occurrence that hasn't happened in a century, since 1924. 

The penumbral lunar eclipse, according to NASA, will be visible in America and in Ireland, Belgium, Spain, England, South Norway, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Netherlands, and France, as well as in areas of Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia. India won't be able to see the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in 2024, though. 

The next partial lunar eclipse is expected to occur on September 18, 2024, according to NASA. There will be visuals of this event throughout Africa, Europe, and America.

Why is the Lunar Eclipse considered Unholi(y)? 

In Hindu tradition, there is a time known as the Sutak Period that is thought to be inauspicious. It is usually observed before and during notable astronomical phenomena like eclipses. 

Drik Panchang states that three Prahars, or nine hours before to the occurrence, is the Sutak period for a lunar eclipse. However, the Sutak period will not be considered applicable since the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 25 will not be seen in India. 

Thus, there won't be any restrictions on religious activities, and temple doors won't be closed. Additionally, the Purnima Tithi on Holi starts at 09:54 am on March 24, 2024, and ends at 12:29 pm on March 25. 
 

According to Astrologers, there are some guidelines one has to follow during the Sutak Kaal time of Chandra Grahan 2022. 

• It's essential to refrain from consuming food or liquids of all types, during this time, with exceptions for children, the elderly, and the sick, who may eat up to three hours before the eclipse.
• Pregnant women should avoid exposure to the eclipse to protect the unborn child. There is a strict belief to not let pregnant women venture out during the lunar eclipse nor cut or stitch any cloth or carry sharp objects like scissors, blade, knife or do any other similar activities as they can have adverse effects on the baby.
• Drinking water, brushing teeth, combing hair, oil massage, visiting the loo or using the washroom and involving in sexual activities are prohibited during the lunar eclipse.
• After the eclipse, it's customary to discard cooked food and opt for freshly prepared meals, while also performing cleansing rituals and charitable acts to symbolize purification and renewal.
• It is generally suggested to stay indoors and avoid doing new things or starting any new work during the lunar eclipse.
• During Chandra Grahan, Tulsi leaves must be put in the food items till the time there is an eclipse on the moon.
• Taking a holy bath before and after the eclipse cleanses the body and soul.

Lunar Eclipse Effects

Wildlife

Lunar eclipses have the potential to disturb bird migration routes, especially for those relying on celestial cues like the moon. The sudden darkness during an eclipse can confuse nocturnal animals, disrupting their hunting, navigation, and mating behaviors. This darkness may also prompt changes in foraging patterns and increased caution to avoid predators. Some wildlife species, dependent on lunar signals for breeding, might experience disruptions in their reproductive cycles. Predators, benefiting from reduced visibility, may enhance their hunting efficiency during lunar eclipses. Marine life, especially those using moonlight for navigation or spawning, could also be affected. However, despite these disruptions, most wildlife can adapt quickly, with the overall impact usually short-lived.

Human Body

During lunar eclipses, the equivalent of 28 days in a full lunar cycle occurs subtly within two to three hours. Earth's energy perceives the eclipse as a complete lunar cycle, causing rapid deterioration in anything deviating from its natural state. Cooked food undergoes significant changes, turning from nourishing to potentially harmful, affecting awareness levels. This phenomenon extends beyond food, impacting individuals who are disconnected from their natural state more profoundly. Lunar cycles influence the human system physically, psychologically, and energetically, as seen in maternal cycles. While there are myths associating lunar eclipses with negative health effects, medically, there's no evidence supporting such claims.

Blood Moon

During a lunar eclipse, the moon appears red, hence earning the name "Blood Moon." This phenomenon is scientifically explained by Rayleigh Scattering, where Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, allowing longer-wavelength red, orange, and yellow light to pass through while blue light scatters away. This is similar to the reason behind our blue sky and orange-hued sunsets. The presence of more dust or clouds in Earth's atmosphere can intensify the redness of the moon during an eclipse.

In Conclusion, there is no need to follow any specific guideline during lunar eclipse. This is a majestic celestial event that occurs for fewer times. So grab this opportunity and view the only lunar eclipse that you will be able to experience in 3 years. Just a pair of binoculars are sufficient to experience this beautiful supernal event where all the three celestial bodies that support life would align together in a straight line. the convergence of the first Lunar Eclipse of 2024 with the vibrant celebration of Holi presents a unique cosmic and cultural spectacle.
 

Despite the myths and traditions surrounding lunar eclipses, scientific explanations shed light on the phenomenon's awe-inspiring beauty. While the eclipse may bring changes in wildlife behavior and subtle shifts in human physiology, there's no evidence supporting negative health effects. Instead, it's an opportunity to witness the wonders of the universe and appreciate the rare alignment of celestial bodies. So, let's embrace this majestic event, marvel at the celestial ballet unfolding above, and cherish the beauty of nature's grandeur.

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