Space enthusiasts would be treated to yet another celestial event, a lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan, on the night of 5-6 June. The astronomical event on Friday night, which is a penumbral lunar eclipse, would be visible from several parts of the world, including India. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the moon just nicks the outer shadow of the earth.
An eclipse is considered a bad omen and harmful for pregnant women in many cultures, and India is no exception. While there’s no scientific evidence to support this superstition, the fear regarding eclipses is so deep rooted in Indian families that even today a lot of pregnant women are made to follow the rules that have been passed on from many generations.
Age-old beliefs dictate that during a lunar eclipse, strong ultraviolet rays are emitted, which make the precooked food unsafe to eat and even cooking is avoided during the eclipse. Some even believe that drinking water is also contaminated during the course of a lunar eclipse, so it should be avoided as well.
Beliefs linking eclipses with an adverse impact on human health and state of mind have been prevalent since time immemorial. Infact, there is a specific set of do’s and don’ts for pregnant women, in addition to dietary restrictions during the length of the eclipse. A certain school of thought also dictates that the radiations produced during the eclipse can be harmful to the health, especially if something is eaten or cooked when the eclipse is taking place.
