Dear readers, I apologies to all of you for my emotional out burst in last few posts and also for being political because I am not here as a politician but just as another human being. Last few days have been very tiring due to the campaignfor Farhan, enormous number of calls from well wishers and pressure from media. I am thankful to all mighty God who has given me strength to deal with all this even in this depleted physical condition.

Yesterday was a day when the scientific community and the general population of India joined together in discussing and debating about the annual solar eclipse. One sentence in TOI summed up the enthusiasm and excitement quite well – “Kids, amateurs, scientists, eclipse chasers and solar enthusiasts wearing special protection glasses patiently watched the majestic natural phenomena unfold – as the sun slowly got eclipsed by moon.” Indeed, it was such an event. I, myself am intrigued by such astronomical events. It was an exciting event!

solar_eclipse_ringWhen we were kids, our elders used to give us special instruction during “Chandra Grahan” and “Surya Graahan”, and such  events used to be very special and full of curiosity. As time passed and we grew older our understanding of such cosmic miracles also changed. In India, the eclipse continues to be associated with various beliefs, and what the scientific community call “superstition”. While I understand their skepticism, it is a teaching of our belief system to believe and respect these super human events!

This eclipse has arrived during the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. These are very important times for the farming community especially. They have a right to speculate and question every aspect of it. Further, the Eclipse falls under the auspicious combination of ‘Uttarashadh Nakshatra’ and ‘Anand Yog’ and also the fact that it falls on the same day as the Mauni Amavasya (after 565 years!) and the beginning of the Magh month in the Indian calendar, it is believed to render all the negative effects that is traditionally associated with an eclipse, as ineffective. As per our Indian beliefs, the Sutak or the negative effects or tidings of the eclipse began 12 hours prior to the celestial event i.e. at 11:59 a.m. and hence people with chronic diseases were told to stay indoors for fear of contacting harmful UV rays. This also applied to pregnant women, who are advised away from witnessing the eclipse to prevent any harmful effects it may have on their child.

solar_eclipse_begins

Some communities of astrologer feared destruction in the year ahead since there have already been two eclipses since the beginning of the year (January 1st and 15th). Beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing till 3 a.m., this was the longest eclipse we’ll witness for another 1000 years! This is certainly quite an event and we as Indians have been quite lucky in witnessing it in all its glory.

The “Ring Of Fire” phenomenon was witnessed in Danushkodi, Tamil Nadu is such awe-inspiring wonder, that after viewing the footage I too was left gaping at Mother Nature’s power. That being said, I wonder how this eclipse will fair for me. But then my dear readers, that can only be known once time has passed. I wish you all a joyous festive season and advice not to let any person, idea or belief dampen your mood.

P.S: This is my first experiment with adding images in my blog post (Curtsey: Times of India)

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