Lunar Eclipse 2023: All you need to know about the first Lunar Eclipse on May 5

Lunar Eclipse 2023, Lunar Eclipse 2023 in India date and time: The first Lunar Eclipse of the year 2023 or Chandra Grahan is set to take place on May 5, Friday. Here are a few common FAQs about the upcoming lunar eclipse.

What is Lunar Eclipse 2023?

Lunar Eclipse is a planetary phenomenon when the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon. The first lunar eclipse is a penumbral eclipse that occurs when the moon passes through a penumbral region of the shadow without touching the umbral region of the shadow.

Lunar Eclipse 2023 in India Date and time

The first Lunar Eclipse of the year 2023 will occur on May 5, Friday in India.

• First Contact with the Penumbra - 8:45 PM
• Maximum of Lunar Eclipse - 10:53 PM
• Last Contact with the Penumbra - 1 AM, May 6
• Duration of Penumbral Phase - 4 hours 15 mins 34 secs

Lunar Eclipse 2023: When is the next Lunar Eclipse?

The second Lunar eclipse will occur on October 28. The partial Lunar eclipse will start at 1:06 AM and 2:22 AM. The Lunar eclipse will be of 1 hour 16 mins 16 secs duration.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: How long does a Lunar Eclipse last?

The duration of the year's first lunar eclipse is 4 hours 15 mins 34 secs as per Drik Panchang. However, the eclipse's duration varies depending on the location.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Can we eat during Lunar Eclipse?

Consuming all type of food items are prohibited during sutak and Eclipse. Therefore, one should not eat for twelve hours before Solar Eclipse till it is over. However, children, sick and old people are restricted to only a single Prahar or 3 hours before.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Precaution for pregnant women during Lunar Eclipse

Pregnant women are advised not to venture out during Eclipse. Besides, pregnant women are also advised not to cut or stitch any cloth or to do any other similar activities as these activities have similar effects on the baby. Other prohibited activities include drinking water, applying oil to hair or body and others.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Rituals after Grahan

It is advised to discard any cooked food after Eclipse. Only freshly cooked food should be consumed after Eclipse. Food items such as wheat, rice, other cereals and pickles should be protected by adding Kusha grass or Tulasi leaves which cannot be discarded. Once the eclipse is over one should take a bath and make offerings. It is considered highly beneficial.

Mantras to chant during Eclipse

Tamomaya Mahabhima Somasuryavimardana।
Hematarapradanena Mama Shantiprado Bhava॥1॥

Vidhuntuda Namastubhyam Simhikanandanachyuta।
Danenanena Nagasya Raksha Mam Vedhajadbhayat॥2॥

Also read- Maharashtra Day 2023: Are banks closed today? Check out details here