Chandra Grahan November 2020: The world will witness the fourth and the last Chandra Grahan or Lunar eclipse of 2020 on November 30. However, it won’t be seen in India. On the day of the eclipse, people follow a set of protocols like they keep a fast until the eclipse is over.
Moreover, on this day, temples remain closed, and people refrain from doing anything auspicious to avoid the risk to get infected by the coronavirus. Should people follow the Grahan protocols during this grahan? Check here-
Literally, a grahan that is not visible to the naked eye is not deemed as a grahan. It is referred to as Upachaya (a Sanskrit equivalent to Penumbra).
During penumbral lunar eclipse (called Upachaya Grahan), the Moon passes through the outer part of the Earth’s shadow or the regular umbra. The Upachaya Grahan occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon are imperfectly aligned. During such a placement, the Earth blocks the sun rays from falling on the Moon and casts an impression on it with its outer shadow.
Usually, on the day of Grahan, most people follow the Sutak, a period of abstention. They follow a set of rules. The Sutak period extends from a few hours before the eclipse until it gets over. People break their fast only after taking a bath.
In addition to fasting, people also refrain from using any sharp object such as a nail cutter or a needle during the eclipse period. As long as Grahan happens, one must not sleep. But will Sutak be applicable for Upachaya Chandra Grahan?
Sutak is not applicable until it is a real grahan. As per Hindu beliefs, a Grahan which cannot be seen with naked eyes, will not cause any adverse effect on people.Therefore, on this lunar eclipse, people can carry out daily activities.
Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse 2020
This year, a total of six eclipses is expected to take place, out of which four (three lunar and one solar) eclipses have already occurred in January, June and July. The upcoming lunar eclipse is on November 30, 2020.
The last, solar eclipse (total) of the year is expected to occur in December.
