Entire world today on Tuesday, is going through the Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse. This happens to be the last eclipse of the year. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said, the Eclipse will be visible across North and Central America, Ecuador, Colombia, western portions of Venezuela and Peru, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and Hawaii. People across these places are waiting eagerly to have a look at the eclipse.

In India, it has a special significance as Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse has special mention in religious rituals. There are various rituals that surrounds eclipse. Many restrictions are imposed on day to day activities as eclipse is considered to have some bad effect on health, developments, and even starting of fresh projects. Chandra Grahan takes place when the sun and moon are on the exact opposite side of the earth.

All the temples were closed for darshan since morning would open around 7pm after the ‘shudhikaran’ or cleaning as per rituals. Some faithfuls since morning have been sitting outside temples and praying. According to priests, temples will open after the rituals of cleaning is performed.

Significance of Chandra Grahan:

1. Chandra Grahan always falls on Purnima Tithi and this time it is going to be observed in the month of Kartik.
2. Today’s Chandra Grahan happens to be the last lunar eclipse of the year.
3. It’s the biggest eclipse in last 28-years.
4. Some of the rashis will be affected by the eclipse.

In India, only the eastern parts of the country will be able to witness it whereas the rest of the country would see a partial eclipse. On Tuesday, partial Chandra Grahan will take place at 02:39 pm and the total Chandra Grahan at 03:46 pm. The totality will end at 5:12 pm while the partial phase of the Chandra Grahan will continue till 6:19 pm.