A lunar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun meets the Earth in such a way that it reaches the lunar surface. It is of three types – complete, partial or pentabral. According to the Jivaji Observatory in Ujjain, in 2021, two lunar eclipses will be visible in India. This year’s astronomical event will begin on May 26 with a total lunar eclipse, which will be visible in all parts of northeastern states except Sikkim and West Bengal along the coast of Odisha.

Lunar Eclipse 2021

May 26: The first eclipse of 2021 will occur on May 26, which will be the total lunar eclipse of 2021. In addition to India, the eclipse will occur in East Asia, South Asia, North America, South America, Australia, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica.

The first lunar eclipse 2021 will start in India at 2:17 pm and end at 07:19 pm.

November 18-19: The second lunar eclipse will take place on November 18-19, 2021, which will be a partial lunar eclipse. In addition to India, the eclipse will occur in Asia, North America, South America, North Africa, West Africa, Australia, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and most of the Arctic.

The second lunar eclipse in India 2021 will start at 11:32 am and end at 06:33 am.

Significance

According to Hinduism, during a lunar eclipse, people, especially pregnant women, observe a number of rules, such as fasting, abstaining from sharp objects, and sleeping during the eclipse. People are advised to recite mantras to give strength to the deities during the eclipse. Earlier when the sun and moon were only the guardians of light, the changes in the movements during the eclipse affected people’s lives, so people stopped their work during that period.