A Full buck moon eclipse is said to take place between 4th and 5th July. While this one of a kind lunar eclipse won’t really be seen from India, it is said to be visible from parts of America and Africa. The eclipse will start from 08:30 AM IST, reach its peak at 09:59 AM IST and end around at 11:21 AM IST.

While eclipses make for a celestial event for people who love to see the skies, they are also said to be the harbinger of changes. Traditional diktats also believe that people should not ideally eat or work during the duration of the eclipse. There are also some customary myths and beliefs followed along for generations during a lunar eclipse.

What are the dos and don’ts one should follow?

According to modern science, eclipses, particularly lunar eclipses are absolutely safe and carry no repercussions. However, traditional mythology and religious texts consider eclipses to be a bad omen, and hence, some rules were set in place. Here is a list of dos and don’ts you might want to know about:

-Some people believe that powerful rays of cosmic planets during an eclipse can ruin the properties of food and hence, it’s best that any type of preserved, raw or pre-cooked meals are avoided. While this claim has no scientific backing, it’s best if you practice your dietary caution before doing something radical.

. -Some more modern institutions say that food is exposed to ultraviolet rays, so it’s best if one stays safe from ill-effects of food contamination.

-Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are absolutely safe to watch with a naked eye.

-Another custom dictates that pregnant women should not step out of the house on the day of the eclipse or touch a sharp object. Again, this has no actual truth but you might want to use your own discretion

-Traditional beliefs also dictate that people must shower or have a head bath post an eclipse, since, in many cultures, eclipses are considered to be a sign of “impurity” or “bad omen”.

-Some cultures also forbid against people having intercourse, or sleeping during the eclipse since it is considered inauspicious.

-To “purify” the negativity post the eclipse, one should add holy basil leaves or seeds to food.

-Some households also believe in chanting the holy mantras, meditating for hours to ward off any evil energy from the day’s events.

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The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Times of India does not claim responsibility for this information.