Devotees in Varanasi performed ritual baths in the River Ganga and offered prayers on Monday morning, a day after the country witnessed a rare total lunar eclipse.
The celestial event began at 8:58 pm on Sunday and lasted until 2:25 am, captivating skywatchers across India. Popularly known as the “Blood Moon,” the eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow and giving the Moon a darker or reddish hue.
Excitement gripped major cities, where thousands gathered to witness the spectacle. In Bengaluru, large crowds flocked to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. “It was not fully red, but I could see the Moon in a light grey shade… I am waiting for 11 PM to watch the Blood Moon,” said Sahana, one of the early visitors.
In Delhi, eager stargazers gathered at the Nehru Planetarium despite cloudy skies. In Kolkata, students and astronomy enthusiasts came together at Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha, many witnessing a total lunar eclipse for the first time. “This live experience is extremely immersive,” said Riya Bhattacharjee, a student.
Adding a scientific perspective, Sandip Chakraborti, Director of the Indian Centre for Space Physics, explained from West Medinipur: “Today, Sun, Earth and Moon are on the same line… this is a rare event that last occurred on 31st January 2018 and will happen again on 31st December 2028.”
For devotees, the event carried deep religious significance, prompting holy dips in the Ganga, while for astronomy enthusiasts, it was a chance to experience one of nature’s most striking celestial alignments.