The Chandra Grahan, the first lunar eclipse of 2023, will take place on May 5. It will be a penumbral eclipse, meaning that the Sun, Earth, and Moon are not exactly lined up. Both Vaishakh Purnima and Buddha Purnima fall on the same day as the eclipse. The eclipse will take place on 8:44 IST and end at 1:01 AM on May 6 in India.
Visibility of Chandra Grahan 2023
The lunar eclipse will be visible in several parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Antarctica. People in India can view the eclipse directly, provided the sky is clear, from 8:44 PM on May 5th.
Do’s and Don’ts during Chandra Grahan
It is recommended to watch the lunar eclipse with the help of a telescope, binoculars, or glasses. Generally, people avoid eating during the eclipse and keep tulsi leaves in food dishes, particularly those containing milk. People believe that chanting mantras and taking the name of God can minimize the harmful effects of the eclipse.
Some people even avoid cutting hair and nails during the eclipse considering inauspicious while some refrain from using sharp and pointed tools such as knives and forks. Many people even donate food and clothes after the lunar eclipse considering it auspicious.