New Delhi 27 June 2024 (Press Ki Taquat Bureau)
Hinduism places great significance on solar eclipses, which occur when the Moon partially or completely covers the Sun, resulting in reduced or eliminated sunlight on Earth. The first solar eclipse of this year occurred on April 8, 2024, visible in America and neighboring countries. The upcoming second and final solar eclipse of the year is expected to be the longest of the 21st century. However, solar eclipses are not considered auspicious from a religious standpoint.
As per the Hindu calendar, the second and last solar eclipse of the year is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2024. It will begin at 9:10 pm and last until 3:17 am the following morning, with a total duration of approximately 6 hours and 4 minutes. Notably, the first solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 was not visible in India, and similarly, the second major eclipse will also not be visible due to its occurrence during nighttime according to Indian time.
It is important to mention that the sutaka period, which is considered an inauspicious time, will not be valid during the second solar eclipse. Consequently, the rules associated with the sutaka period, such as the closure of religious places and the prohibition of worship, will not be followed. It should be noted that the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century on October 2, 2024 will be visible in foreign countries like Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Argentina, Arctic, Cook Islands, and Uruguay.
