Stargazers across the country will be able to witness a spectacular celestial wonder tomorrow, as the stunning full moon is set to turn red, popularly called the ‘Blood Moon,’ for about 4 hours and 42 minutes. The ‘Chandra Grahan,’ or total lunar eclipse, is expected to begin at 9:58 pm tomorrow and will end around 1:26 am on September 8.
In the Manipuri Lunar Calendar, it is ‘Purnima,’ or full moon day (15th day of the ‘Langban’ month). The serene face of the moon will turn pink as the Earth blocks the Sun’s light and casts its shadow on the Moon. It also marks the beginning of ‘Tarpan’ for ancestors who are in the heavenly abode.
Some European astrophysicists say Europe and Africa will witness a brief partial eclipse as the Moon rises in the early evening, whereas the Americas will miss out entirely.
According to religious mythology, the eclipse is not just a cosmic event but a reminder of light overcoming shadow, inviting us toward inner cleansing and spiritual renewal. In Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan, the demon Svarbhanu secretly drank Amrit. Vishnu cut him in two, and the immortal halves became Rahu and Ketu. Ever since, they are said to swallow the Sun and Moon, creating eclipses and casting temporary darkness.
