Latest News

  • Home
  • Food & Health
  • Chandra Grahan 2018: Common Diet Beliefs, Myths And Superstitions Related To Lunar Eclipse
Chandra Grahan 2018: Common Diet Beliefs, Myths And Superstitions Related To Lunar Eclipse
Friday, July 27, 2018 IST
Chandra Grahan 2018: Common Diet Beliefs, Myths And Superstitions Related To Lunar Eclipse

The world is about to witness a total Lunar Eclipse on the night of July 27 and July 28 that will last about 1 hour 45 minutes
 

 
 

The world is about to witness a total Lunar Eclipse on the night of July 27 and July 28 that will last about 1 hour 45 minutes. It is believed that this is going to be the longest lunar eclipse of the century. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon falls under the Earth's shadow by passing directly behind the Earth. This day will also be a Blood Moon, where the earth's satellite takes on a reddish colour. During lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan, the earth tends to block direct sunlight reaching the moon. The only light that reflects is refracted by the earth's atmosphere; this light appears red in colour, which is why it is called Blood Moon.
 
Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse 2018: Date And Timing Of The Blood Moon
 
*Chandra Grahan is slated to be on full moon night that will fall on the night of July 27. The first phase of the eclipse will begin from 11:54 pm IST on July27, when moon will be cast in earth's shadow.
 
*The total lunar eclipse is said to be visible from 1:00 am IST from July 28, and will be visible in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, et al.
 
*The second phase of the eclipse will start from 2:43 am IST, wherein a partial lunar eclipse will be taking place.
 
 
While stargazers are excited to witness the Blood Moon on this big day, there are certain beliefs or myths that have revolved around this phenomenon for centuries. In olden days, people were advised against consuming food or water during an eclipse and such beliefs were widely propagated.  
 
Chandra Grahan 2018: Avoiding Food A Superstition: Here's What Ayurveda Expert Suggests
 
Ayurveda expert Ram N Kumar from NirogStreet dismisses these beliefs as mere superstitions. He says, "There is no mention of dos and don'ts in Ayurveda about such beliefs. The only reference that's present is that we should avoid indulging in an auspicious work. It is perfectly safe to eat and drink during eclipse, Ayurveda is a health science and it doesn't promote superstition. Not eating and drinking during eclipse and mandatory bath after eclipse is superstition. One can safely lead a normal lifestyle during eclipse."
 
Further adding to this, Yogi Anoop, Founder and Director at MediYoga explains, "During lunar eclipse, the moon tends to be nearer to the earth, which means there are certain electro-magnetic waves in the river bodies. Moreover, our bodies are made up of 72 percent water, which is why one can experience physiological changes. You could become moody and end up eating a lot of food, which can cause and upset stomach. This is why most experts suggest that one must not eat food during this time as it may take time to digest. Rather pick on lighter foods that may help keep your digestion going strong. You can, otherwise, follow a normal routine as everything else is superstition."
 
 
However, a set of Ayurveda practitioners continue to believe that eating restrictions should be maintained  during a lunar eclipse.  
 
Chandra Grahan 2018: Does Food Really Get Infected During Lunar Eclipse? 
 
Mitali Madhusmita of Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma says, "During an eclipse, the wavelength and intensity of light radiations available on the earth's surface is altered. Especially, the blue and ultraviolet radiations, which are known for their natural disinfecting property, are not available in sufficient quantities during eclipse. This leads to uncontrolled growth of micro-organisms in food products during eclipse and the food products are not suitable for consumption. One of the other major reasons you're asked to stay on an empty stomach is to aid your meditation/ chanting during the eclipse, which are far less effective when done on a full stomach. Hence it's advised to stop eating at least two hours before an eclipse, so all the food can get digested by the time you sit down to meditate."
 
 
Here are some beliefs around eating and consumption of water that are still followed, as suggested by Mitali Madhusmita: 
 
1. Stop eating two hours before an eclipse.
 
2. Eat light and easy to digest foods before and after eclipse. Turmeric can be added to it for its antibacterial properties. Avoid non-vegetarian food because it takes very long to digest.
 
3. Don't carry any cooked food anywhere before an eclipse, as the harmful radiation during an eclipse can be absorbed by the food.
 
4. Pregnant women and elderly may eat during the eclipse. However, they should eat light food like dry fruits and raisins to give them energy.
 
5. Darbha grass kept in food containers.
 

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
12 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer To Never Ignore

Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...

Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
11 Surprising Benefits Of Wood Apple Or Bael Fruit

The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
10 Amazing Benefits Of Bael (Kaitha)

Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
These 7 Remedies Can Remove The Milia (Milk Spots) From Your Face

Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 
 

More in Food & Health

 Article
Now,dental implants that kill bacteria and anchor to bone

Scientists have developed coatings for dental implants that can prevent bacterial infection, kill it if it arises, as well as facilitate anchoring to the bone. ...

Recently posted. 808 views . 13 min read
 

 Article
10 Signs You Are Doing Too Much Cardio

The importance of cardio exercises cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to improving heart health and preventing chronic diseases. As you might be aware...

Recently posted. 917 views . 3 min read
 

 Article
WARTS

Definition: Warts are small, benign growths caused by a viral infection of the skin or mucous membrane. The virus infects the surf...

Recently posted. 2K views . 3 min read
 

 Video
Self-Defense Moves You Need To Know



Recently posted . 817 views
 

 Reviews
Top 7 Best Electric Rice Cookers in India



Recently posted . 1K views . 76 min read
 

 Reviews
Top 5 Best Digital Kitchen Scales in India



Recently posted . 1K views . 45 min read
 

 Article
Easy ways to help your kids fight pollution

Small preventive tips to help your young ones breathe better

Recently posted. 747 views . 0 min read
 

 Article
Never Mix These 7 Fruits! They Cause Serious Diseases

Fruits and veggies are important for your health, and you need to eat more of these to be super healthy. But, some combinations are bad for you. You should never co...

Recently posted. 712 views . 2 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

When you think positive, good things happen.
Anonymous

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top