What is a Chandra Grahan? This is the Hindi name for a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. The shadow of the Earth falls onto the Moon, making the Moon appear dark, red, or brownish. Many people find this process to be enchanting, while many others see it as a pivotal moment of great spiritual significance.
On Sunday, September the 7th, 2025, we will be able to see the final lunar eclipse of the year. The highlight of this eclipse is that it will be easily observable in India! Let us check out the details of its timings, what “Sutak” refers to, and the significance of the two.
Why is this Chandra Grahan Special?
- This lunar eclipse is special because:
- It is occurring on Purnima (Full Moon).
- It signifies the beginning of the Pitru Paksha, a period when many people pay respects and pray to their ancestors.
It is the final lunar eclipse of 2025.
Astrologers claim that for some zodiac signs, this eclipse could have both positive and negative outcomes. But for most children, the moon’s transformation from gleaming to pitch-dark is the most fascinating phenomenon.
- Exact Timings of the Lunar Eclipse (India).
- Eclipse Begins (Sparsh): 7th Sept 9:57 PM.
- Eclipse Middle (Madhya): 11:41 PM
- Eclipse Ends (Moksha): 7 September, 1:27 AM.
Although preparation for the eclipse begins after dinner, people usually fall asleep. The effort is rewarded as they wake and notice the moon’s transformation.
What is Sutak?
In Vedic/Aryan Hindu philosophy, solar as well as lunar eclipses are accompanied by the observation of time with special characteristics, and that time is Sutak. The general rule of Sutak is that there should be no eating, cooking, and puja of any kind.
For this eclipse: Timings for Sutak Period
Sutak Starts: 12:57 PM on 7 September 2025
Sutak Ends: 1:27 AM on 8 September 2025.
This denotes that Sutak begins couple of hours before and ends couple of hours after the eclipse.
During these hours most people will settle on the act of prayer or meditation or repetitive mantra saying.
Activities on Purnima Shradh
In the Indian lunisolar calendar, Purnima Shradh has a Pitru Paksha most of the time. Rest rituals for the dead should be completed well before Sutak, that falls on the full moon of Pitru Paksha (that is, before 12:57 PM of that day).
It is well believed that the best option is the Kutup Kaal (11:53 AM – 12:44 PM). After that, the Sutak period will begin and further rituals should be avoided.
Where is the Chandra Grahan Visible?
The good news is, just by lifting your head, you can see this Lunar eclipse anywhere in the Indian subcontinent. Binoculars and telescopes are not needed. If the clouds cooperate, you’ll be able to enjoy the phenomenon.
But hold on. How about the 21st of September, 2025? The solar eclipse that will be occurring a few days later is a nice bonus. To have both a lunar eclipse and solar eclipse in the same month is very rare.
Eclipse Watching Tips For Kids
- Ask your parents first. Sutak has no such divisions, and depends on how your family chooses to observe it.
- It is the practice of many families to not consume any food during Sutak.
- Watching safely – A lunar eclipse is one of the few astronomical events that do not require the use of eclipse glasses and can be viewed safely without protective eyewear.
- Being inquisitive – A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is situated between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sunlight to the Moon. Notice the gradual change in the Moon. During an eclipse, the Moon can appear to be reddish in color. This is referred to as a ‘Blood Moon’.
- Keeping a record – Writing a diary of your observations will be useful and is an interesting activity.
Summary of Important Information
- Day of the week and Date – Sunday 7th September 2025
- Time – 09:57 PM – 01:27 AM (next day) 8th September
- Sutak Timing – 12:57 PM – 01:27 AM
- Special Significance – Purnima + Start of Pitru Paksha
- Location: Throughout the entirety of India