Solar Eclipse 2025: Date, timings, visibility, and will the last Surya Grahan be seen in India?

The last solar eclipse of 2025 will take place on September 21, coinciding with Mahalaya Amavasya, a day already considered spiritually important.

This event follows the recent lunar eclipse and is drawing attention both for its astronomical value and its astrological implications.

Date and timings

According to experts, the eclipse will begin late on September 21 and extend into the early hours of September 22 (IST):

• Eclipse begins: 10:59 PM, September 21
  
• Maximum phase: 1:11 AM, September 22
  
• Eclipse ends: 3:23 AM, September 22
  
  

The entire celestial event will last for about 4 hours and 24 minutes.

Will it be visible in India?

Unfortunately, this solar eclipse will not be visible in India or neighboring South Asian countries.

Skywatchers in India will have to miss the opportunity, as the phenomenon will only be observable in parts of eastern Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the South Pacific, and Antarctica.

No Sutak period in India

Because the eclipse won’t be visible here, the traditional Sutak period (observed as an inauspicious phase before eclipses) will not apply in India.

However, many people may still choose to follow customary practices for spiritual reasons.

Astrological insights

Astrologers note that this solar eclipse occurs in the Virgo zodiac sign under the Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. During the event, the Sun, Moon, and Mercury will align in Virgo, while Saturn from Pisces casts its aspect.
This alignment is said to influence matters related to career, business, personal relationships, and health, with advice leaning towards caution and mindfulness during this period.

How to observe safely

As this is a partial eclipse, the Sun will not be fully covered. For those in regions where it is visible, experts recommend strict safety measures:

• Always use certified solar eclipse glasses.
  
• Never look directly at the Sun without protection—ordinary sunglasses or homemade filters are unsafe.
  
• Avoid eating, cooking, or traveling during the eclipse, as per traditional beliefs.
  
• Refrain from cutting nails, hair, or plucking Tulsi leaves on the day.
  
• Spiritual practices such as meditation, mantra chanting, and prayer are considered especially beneficial.