A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and partially or completely blocking sunlight. This rare astronomical event is visible only from certain regions along the Moon’s shadow and always happens during a new moon.
In 2025, the last solar eclipse of the year will occur on 21st September, and it will be a partial solar eclipse. Unlike a total eclipse that completely covers the Sun, during a partial eclipse, the Moon obscures only a portion of the Sun, creating a crescent-shaped Sun in the sky—a truly spectacular sight for observers.
Time, Duration, and Visibility
The partial solar eclipse will follow this schedule:
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Start: 17:29 UTC (10:59 PM IST, September 21)
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Maximum: 19:41 UTC (1:11 AM IST, September 22)
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End: 21:53 UTC (3:23 AM IST, September 22)
The total event will last over four hours. It will be visible primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand, parts of Australia, the South Pacific, and Antarctica. Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible in India, as it occurs during nighttime.
What to Eat During Surya Grahan
In India, Surya Grahan (solar eclipse) is considered a spiritually sensitive time. Pregnant women are advised to take special care, and many people observe fasting or light eating to purify the body and mind. The focus is on consuming sattvic foods that are light, nourishing, and spiritually uplifting.
Recommended Sattvic Foods
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
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Whole grains, nuts, and seeds
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Dairy products like milk, curd, or paneer
Sattvic foods are believed to enhance digestion, reduce stress, improve focus, and promote emotional balance during the eclipse.
Also Read: Partial Solar Eclipse on September 21: Check Timings, Visibility & Details in India
Special Drinks and Foods
Coconut Water: Coconut water is hydrating and rich in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It aids digestion, flushes out toxins, supports gut health, and keeps the body energized during fasting. It also benefits the skin and hair and is considered a natural coolant for the body.
Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk): Turmeric milk is consumed for its detoxifying and immunity-boosting properties. It improves blood circulation, supports liver function, and helps the body eliminate toxins. Rich in antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin D, it also promotes better sleep and healthy bones.
Tulsi Leaves: Adding tulsi leaves to food or water during the eclipse is believed to protect against negative energy. Tulsi also has medicinal benefits, including reducing stress, improving immunity, and supporting respiratory health.
Foods to Avoid During Surya Grahan
To maintain spiritual and physical well-being, certain foods are traditionally avoided during a solar eclipse:
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Cooked food: Avoid cooking during the eclipse as it is believed to be contaminated by negative energy. Prepare meals beforehand and consume afterward.
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Onion and garlic: These are considered rajasic and tamasic, potentially disturbing calmness and meditation.
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Alcohol and stimulants: Alcohol, caffeine, and strong stimulants can increase restlessness and disrupt energy balance. Opt for herbal teas, coconut water, or warm milk instead.
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Non-vegetarian food: Heavy and impure in nature, non-veg items are avoided to support spiritual focus and easy digestion.
Why Certain Foods Should Be Avoided
During Surya Grahan, it is traditionally advised to avoid cooking, non-vegetarian foods, alcohol, and stimulants because the eclipse’s cosmic energy can negatively affect the purity, nutritional value, and spiritual essence of food. Consuming heavy or cooked food may disturb digestion and interfere with meditation or fasting, while stimulants and non-sattvic items are thought to disrupt the mind’s calm and increase restlessness. Following these practices helps maintain physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual sanctity during the eclipse period.
The partial solar eclipse of September 21, 2025, is a rare celestial event visible in the Southern Hemisphere. During this sacred time, following traditional dietary practices including consuming sattvic foods, coconut water, turmeric milk, and tulsi while avoiding heavy, cooked, or non-vegetarian foods is believed to protect health and enhance spiritual benefits.
Also Read: Surya Grahan 2025: Timings & Best Places to Watch the Solar Eclipse on 21 September
