Fri Aug 01 12:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text you provided:
**Summary:**
Rumors are circulating on social media that a total solar eclipse will occur on August 2nd, causing the sun to disappear for 6 minutes and causing anxiety before the Raksha Bandhan festival. This rumor is false. The actual solar eclipse being referenced is set to occur in 2027. While a partial solar eclipse *will* occur on September 21, 2025, it will not be visible in India and therefore will not have any impact or require observation of the *sutak*.
**News Article:**
**Raksha Bandhan Unaffected: Viral Solar Eclipse Rumors Debunked**
**New Delhi:** As India prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on August 9th, social media is abuzz with rumors of an impending solar eclipse on August 2nd, sparking concerns among the populace. The viral posts claim that the sun will disappear for six minutes during this event, which is supposedly the longest solar eclipse in a century.
However, experts have debunked these claims as completely false. While a significant solar eclipse *is* predicted, it is scheduled to occur in 2027, not 2025.
Adding to the confusion, a partial solar eclipse *will* occur later this year, on September 21, 2025. According to astronomical sources, this eclipse will begin at 10:59 PM and continue until 3:23 AM according to Indian Standard Time. However, it will *not* be visible from India.
“Since the solar eclipse will not be visible in India, the *sutak* period will not be observed,” explained a source. Sutak is a period of abstinence that is observed 12 hours prior to the eclipse.
Therefore, the viral claims regarding the August 2nd eclipse are unfounded. Citizens can prepare for Raksha Bandhan without worry, assured that the festivities will not be affected by any solar events.
First Piper 