Fri Sep 05 13:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Rare Lunar Eclipse Coincides with Start of Hindu Ancestral Rituals; Experts Say Observances Unaffected**

**Varanasi, India** – A rare celestial event will coincide with the commencement of important Hindu rituals this week. The last total lunar eclipse of the year will occur on Sunday, September 7th, the same day that Hindus begin “Shraddha,” a period dedicated to honoring and paying respects to their ancestors. This year’s eclipse is said to be the longest of the year.

The eclipse, occurring on Bhadrapada Purnima (full moon), will see the penumbra beginning at 12:57 PM with the eclipse beginning at 9:57 PM and continuing until 1:27 AM, will begin simultaneously with the start of Shraddha, a 16-day period of remembrance and offerings to deceased ancestors. The rituals typically include “tarpan,” a water offering made to the spirits of ancestors, particularly those from the maternal side of the family.

Despite the timing coincidence, scholars in Kashi (Varanasi) have clarified that the “sutak,” the inauspicious period associated with the lunar eclipse, will not affect the performance of Shraddha rituals. According to Professor Vinay Kumar Pandey, former head of the BHU’s Astrology Department and an official with Shri Kashi Vidwat Parishad, ancient scriptures do not forbid rituals during sutak. “The lunar eclipse or its sutak does not impact the Pitru Paksha or Shraddha karma,” he stated.

Professor Subhash Pandey of the BHU also confirmed that scriptures do not prohibit rituals during the sutak or eclipse periods.

While Shraddha rituals are traditionally performed in the forenoon, the scholars clarified that even if the sutak period extends into the morning, it will not invalidate the rituals.

However, during the eclipse, eating is prohibited. Food can be prepared beforehand or after the eclipse. Food prepared during the eclipse is considered tainted. The scriptures advise people to avoid eating during the eclipse. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, the sick, and those who are vulnerable.

Devotees are also advised to add “Tulsi dal” (holy basil leaves) or “kush” (sacred grass) to food items, especially those made with ghee or milk, to protect them from the eclipse’s effects. During the eclipse, people should not touch religious icons. They can chant mantras or meditate.

Pregnant women are advised to remain awake during the eclipse and continuously chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”

The lunar eclipse is expected to be a spectacular celestial event, even as families across India begin their ancestral rites.

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