Ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse, a celestial event scheduled to take place on April 8, people across the world are gearing up for this astronomical phenomenon where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. It blocks the sun’s light and casts a shadow in certain regions of the Earth. While Americans are booking tours for the total solar eclipse sightings in New York— in India, cultural beliefs and traditions are followed during eclipses. Here’s more about it.
Ahead Of Total Solar Eclipse, Indians Fast & Follow Rituals
While the celestial event will not be sighted in India, as per the Indian Standard Time (IST) it will occur at 9:12 PM (IST) on April 8 and continue till 2:22 AM on April 9. This will happen before the Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri. As per Hinduism, there is a popular belief that during eclipses, there is negative energy in the atmosphere. So, nourishing oneself with Sattvic food like fresh fruits, veggies, grains, nuts and dairy products is recommended to keep oneself healthy.
Many observe fasts and avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion and garlic during the eclipse. There’s also a common belief that cooked food can attract negative energy during this time. So, many choose to fast and avoid cooked food as it cleanses the body. As per Vedic astrology, all nine planets are believed to reside in Lord Ganesha’s belly. So, devotees worship Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman to soothe the harmful effects of the solar eclipse.
Americans Plan Viewing Parties & Excursions For Celestial Event
There is a cultural and religious difference in the beliefs of Indians, the Americans and people of other nationalities and religions towards the solar eclipse. In the USA, there’s an air of excitement that has gripped the nation and piqued the interest of New Yorkers. For the first time in over 1o0 years, the northern and western parts of New York will experience total solar eclipse.
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While the entire celestial event will last for a few hours, the whole phenomenon of day turning into night —lasting for 4 minutes— is a fever dream for many Americans. As per Hindustan Times, the chief executive officer of Visit Buffalo Niagara referred euphoria of the celestial event as that of a Super Bowl or Taylor Swift concert. Many have booked excursions for the event. More than half of the US cities along the solar eclipse’s path are fully booked. Thousands of Airbnbs have reached 100 per cent occupancy and people are expecting heavy traffic too.
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From wine and dine vintage train rides, viewing parties, hikes to skydiving over Niagara Falls, Americans have made their plans to witness the total solar eclipse in all its glory.
So, what is your plan during the total solar eclipse?
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