Surya Grahan 2025: Solar eclipse timing, Sutak Kaal, what to do and what not to do during the event

The last solar eclipse of 2025 will occur on September 21, and it will be a partial solar eclipse, visible primarily in the Southern Hemisphere. According to reports, regions such as Australia, Antarctica, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean will be able to witness the celestial event. However, the eclipse will not be visible in India, or across most of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Since the eclipse is not visible in India, the Sutak Kaal—the traditional period of inauspiciousness observed before a solar eclipse—will not apply in the country. However, it may be observed in regions where the eclipse is visible.

The partial eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, covering only a portion of the solar disc. During this time, the Sun is not completely obscured, unlike in a total eclipse.

Solar Eclipse timings

As per Space.com, the partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, is expected to:

Begin at 1:29 PM EDT (10:59 PM IST on September 21)

Peak at 3:41 PM EDT (1:11 AM IST on September 22)

End at 5:53 PM EDT (3:23 AM IST on September 22)

During the peak, a significant portion of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, offering a dramatic visual for those in the visibility zone.

Solar eclipses occur at least twice a year somewhere on Earth. However, witnessing one from the same location is rare—sometimes occurring only once every few hundred years.

Experts advise that looking directly at the Sun is unsafe, except during the brief period of totality in a total eclipse. In a partial eclipse, such as the upcoming one, protective eyewear is essential throughout the event to prevent permanent eye damage.

Types of solar eclipses

There are four main types of solar eclipses:

1. Total Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun.
2. Partial Eclipse: Only part of the Sun is obscured.
3. Annular Eclipse: The Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a visible "ring of fire."
4. Hybrid Eclipse: A rare type that shifts between total and annular phases along its path.

Spiritual and traditional practices: Do’s and Don’ts during Surya Grahan

The solar eclipse will not be visible in India, so Sutak Kaal will not apply there; however, those living abroad in regions where the eclipse is visible will need to observe Sutak Kaal outside India.

Do’s during Sutak Kaal

• Meditation and Prayer: People are advised to sit in silence on a kusha aasana and chant mantras associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, or Goddess Durga. If specific mantras are not known, one may chant "AUM" and meditate.
• Stay Indoors: It is traditionally believed that staying indoors helps protect and conserve spiritual energy.
• Use of Tulsi or Kusha Patra: Adding Tulsi leaves or Kusha grass to food items is considered a way to protect them from contamination.
• Recite Religious Texts: Reading scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramcharitmanas, or Sundar Kand is recommended.
• Cover Idols: All idols of deities should be covered before the eclipse begins.
• Sprinkle Gangajal: After the eclipse ends, sprinkling Gangajal around the house and on oneself is believed to purify the space.
• Take a Bath: A full bath is recommended after the eclipse. If not possible, sprinkling Gangajal is considered an alternative.

Don’ts during Sutak Kaal

• Avoid Eating: It is traditionally believed that no food should be consumed during the eclipse. However, individuals with chronic illnesses may eat and take prescribed medicine.
• Avoid New Projects: The day is considered inauspicious for starting any new activity or venture.
• Do Not Cook: Cooking during the eclipse is discouraged.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Using knives, scissors, and other sharp tools is traditionally avoided.
• Do Not Drink or Eat: Consumption of any food or liquid is generally avoided during the eclipse period.
• Avoid Touching Sacred Items: Idols of deities and holy plants like Tulsi should not be touched during the eclipse.

(With inputs from TOI)