Penumbral Lunar Eclipse 2024: Chandra Grahan on the day of Holi, Know how to celebrate Holi?

The festival of colours of joy, Holi, is right around the corner and people have geared up for celebration. From gulaal, colour and pichkaris (water gun) to water balloons, Gujiyas and thandai, the festival of Holi is filled with unlimited joy. And while every year, Holi brings joy and colour to millions across the globe, this year it's coming in with a twist.

A penumbral lunar eclipse, also known as Chandra Grahan, is occurring on the same day as Holi.
This convergence of the Holi festival and an astronomical event in the form of Lunar eclipse adds a unique touch to the celebration for people who await the days of eclipse to look up and observe the sky.

What is a Penumbral lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow upon the lunar surface. However, not all lunar eclipses are created equal. A penumbral lunar eclipse is one where the Earth partially blocks the Sun's rays from reaching the Moon, resulting in a subtle dimming or shading of the Moon's surface.

Unlike partial or total lunar eclipses, penumbral eclipses are often more challenging to discern with the naked eye as the dimming effect is quite subtle.

Penumbral lunar eclipse 2024
This year, in 2024, people who love to observe and study the lunar eclipses will have the opportunity to witness two lunar eclipses. The first eclipse, a Penumbral lunar Eclipse, will occur on March 25, 2024.
Following this, a partial lunar eclipse will occur on September 18, 2024.
And in a wave of happiness for people in India, the March 25 eclipse will not be visible in India as it will take place during daylight hours when the Moon is below the horizon. Instead, regions of Europe, Africa, and parts of South America will be treated to the spectacle of the eclipse.

See more: Lunar Eclipse 2024: What causes a Lunar Eclipse? The science behind it

Timings of the eclipse
According to Drik Panchang, these are the timings and hours of the Lunar eclipse in India.

“First Contact with the Penumbra - 10:24 AM

Maximum of Lunar Eclipse - 12:43 PM

Last Contact with the Penumbra - 03:01 PM

Duration of Penumbral Phase - 04 Hours 36 Mins 56 Secs”

Chanda Grahan in India
While people outside India love to encounter an eclipse for its astronomical importance, in India it is a little different. In other countries, people whip out their cameras and glasses to watch the eclipse but in India, people prefer staying indoors and not watching the Eclipse at all!

For Hindus, celestial events like Chandra Grahan are important spiritually and astrologically. It is believed that during an eclipse, the alignment of celestial bodies affects the flow of energy on Earth, influencing both physical and metaphysical areas of life.

See more: Lunar Eclipse 2024: Tips for Pregnant Women to follow on Chandra Grahan

And even in India, while some people see eclipses as ominous and negative, others see them as auspicious moments that can help with introspection, meditation and spiritual practices.

Celebrating Holi during an Eclipse
While many people might be worried about how to celebrate Holi during the time of Eclipse, well, worry not! This year the festivities and spirit of Holi will not be affected by the Eclipse because it is not going to be seen in India at all, which will allow everyone to celebrate the festival as they wish, eating, meeting people and playing with colours.
So, this year the Holi festivities will be celebrated as is.

What can you do on an Eclipse?
As the Eclipse will not be seen in India, there will be no sutak timings as well. And thus the eclipse will have no impact on the celebration. But, if you would still like to harness the energy of the eclipse, here are some things you can do.

Watch the eclipse online

Once your Holi festivities and celebrations are done and dusted, take a moment and watch the night sky online or in real and observe the small changes in the Moon's appearance. Though not as dramatic as a total eclipse, the penumbral eclipse offers a unique astronomical sight.

Reflect on the past

Many people who are into spirituality use the eclipse as an opportunity for introspection and renewal. And this time you can do it too if you would like. Just as the Moon undergoes a temporary dimming, consider areas in your life where you may need to shed old patterns or habits to make way for new growth and positivity.

Meditate

While everyone is all tuckered out after playing with water and colours all day, this might be a good chance to engage in meditative practices during the eclipse to get the most out of the spiritual energy that eclipses come with. Whether it's through yoga, chanting, or silent reflection, allow yourself to connect with the higher energies and utilise the eclipse's transformative power.

Follow what you see

While some believe that the Lunar eclipse are bad and should not be viewed at all, others see it as a spectral sight where the universe is showing its own magic trick. But in between this tussle it is very important to follow what you see around yourself and what you think is best for you. If your family members ask you to not see it, comply by that and if you feel like you know enough about the Eclipse to not be afraid of it, see it as you please.

Celebrating the spirit of Holi

Holi isn't just about eating sweets and colouring each other. It is also about forming bonds and camaraderie. Gathering with friends and family, laughing around, sharing and spreading joy, filling the air with different colours and of course the streets too. Holi is the perfect time to strengthen bonds and unity with people you only meet on occasions and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

Along with the community gatherings, it is also important to honour the cultural and traditional aspects of the festival. Praying together and participating in Holika dahan a day before Holi, praying in your home temple before going out to play with colours, etc are a part of the festival. Plus, before getting carried away in the Holi festivities, remember the core essence of Holi - spread love, share kindness, and show compassion to people who are having a tough time. Along with that, remember that consent is very important. Do not misbehave, do not colour people who do not wish to be and do not justify others' behaviours with the tag of ‘Bura na maano Holi hai’.

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