Moon may eclipse New Year revelry

Hyderabad, Dec. 27: A lunar eclipse on the night of December 31 may hit New Year festivities of those believe in fasting and staying indoors during celestial events.

According to charts put out by Nasa (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and almanacs, the eclipse will last from 10.45 pm on Thursday, December 31, night to 2.58 am on Friday, January 1. The totality of the eclipse will occur between 12.23 pm on Thursday and 1.23 am on Friday.

These timings fall bang in the middle of New Year festivities. Thousands of people believe that they should not eat or drink during eclipses. Also, temples — which are generally kept open for the New Year — will have to close for the eclipse.

The Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala would closed at 7 pm after Ekanta Aeva at 6.30 pm. It would reopen on January 1 at 1.45 am. The temple cancelled regular Arjitha Sevas between December 31 and January 2 in view of the anticipated rush of pilgrims.

“We are expecting less turnout for the New Year eve party as there is a belief that any consumption of food during an eclipse is harmful,” said the manager of a pub, Mr Girish Raj.

Astrologer Srinivasa Gargia said the eclipse holds spiritual relevance since Moon is Mana-

skaraka, which has a potential to determine an individual’s mental stability. “It is advised to fast at least three hours before the eclipse and those who believe will definitely follow the age-old belief,” he said.

He said the Moon will be exactly opposite the Sun, there will be an impact on water since our body has 80 per cent water. The liver will get affected if there is food in the stomach.”