Lunar Eclipse 2024: What to eat and avoid during Chandra Grahan 2024

A Lunar or moon eclipse occurs when the Earth comes under the shadow of the moon. The partial lunar eclipse which will occur on September 18, is a supermoon or Harvest moon. The estimated time for the beginning of the eclipse is around 7.42 AM IST and it will reach its maximum at 8:14 AM IST. The eclipse will end at 8>45 AM.
The partial lunar eclipse can be witnessed in areas where the moon is above the horizon at the time.This includes North America, South America, Antarctica, Africa, Europe, Western Asia, and southwestern Russia.
An eclipse is not just a celestial event that excites our curiosity, but it is also a time which can be utilized to get maximum benefits from spiritual practices. Hence a lot of chanting, prayers and meditation is done at this time. It is often forbidden to cook food or eat during an eclipse.
As per experts, an eclipse has a profound inward pull on our consciousness and so it is the ideal time to pray, offering energy to ourselves and others. In an eclipse there is heightened energy that impacts environment and our internal system in many different ways. Digestion and metabolism become greatly reduced at this time and hence Ayurveda advises that one should refrain from eating during the eclipse and it is ideal to fast during this time. For those who cannot fast, it is advised to eat light food.

Why tulsi leaves are added to food
As per experts, adding tulsi leaves to food water pots, not just prevent bacterial growth but also help in the bounce back of immunity.

As per experts, avoiding hard to digest food, non-vegetarian food, bread, onion, garlic, alcohol or fermented foods is good as they are either hard to metabolize by the body or disrupt in the digestive process.
Is it ok to eat on the day of eclipse?
As per modern science, there is no clear link between eating and health issues on the day of eclipse. However, there are ancient beliefs which say that the moon's cycle impacts the body. It is also believed that any food we consume on the day or during the day of eclipse takes longer duration to digest and hence it may cause health issues.
Is it safe for pregnant women to eat during eclipse
As per astrologers, pregnant women should avoid eating or drinking anything during the eclipse. It is believed that eating during this time may increase the complications in pregnancy with Moon-Sun and Rahu-Ketu in the rashifal of the baby.

Do's during the eclipse
Eat sattvik food: As per experts, one should only eat sattvik food post eclipse as this food is light and healthy. It is suggested to eat foods like roti, dal, sabzi, and also include haldi in all the foods, as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help fight certain infections.
Use basil leaves: It is suggested to add basil leaves in all the eatables including dairy products before the eclipse begins to avoid the negativity of the chandra grahan.

Take bath: Once the eclipse ends,one should take the shower, also it is suggested to take shower before the eclipse begins.
Sprinkle Gangajal: It is also suggested to sprinkle Gangajal in the entire house after the eclipse ends. And one should also sprinkle Gangajal on the other members od the family.
Mantra Chanting: One must get involved in Mantra Chanting as it creates positivity around you. It also helps in keeping your mind quite and calm.
Donate: It is also suggested to donate white sesame seeds and wheat flour to the needy as it helps remove Moon dosha.
Clean the house: Post-eclipse, it is suggested to clean the house to remove all the negative aura that spreads in the house during the eclipse.
Don'ts during the eclipse
Avoid eating: It is suggested to avoid eating or drinking anything during the duration of eclipse period, as it is considered to be inauspicious.
Avoid non veg and alcohol: It is also suggested to avoid drinking alcohol, smoke cigarette, and also avoid eggs, meats, and sea foods on the day of eclipse.
Avoid cooking: It is also suggested not to indulge in any cooking or baking activities during the eclipse period, as it can catch all the negativity of the eclipse and eating contaminated food can impact your health.
Mantra to chant during the eclipse
Om Chandraye Namah!!!
Om Namo Bhagvate Namah!!!
Om Sam Sreem Drom Saha Chandramase Namah!!!