'We don't believe in superstitions'

In ancient mythology, it was believed that solar eclipse occurred when the moon god devoured the sun god after a fight. Scientifically, the solar eclipse occurs when moon passes between sun and earth. Hence, the sun is fully or partially covered.

Many people in the City go to the planetarium to view this natural spectacle. Special goggles should be used as the ultraviolet rays can harm the eyes, if viewed directly. “These eclipses have always caught my attention. I make it a point to go to the planetarium to see it,” said Hrushikesh, an engineering student.

He said that he does not follow any of the superstitions attached to it because he doesn't believe in them. He added, “I have eaten during the eclipse period and it has had no adverse effect on me. I think all these silly beliefs are made up by us.” Most of the students don’t believe the notions attached to the eclipse, but are forced to follow it because it is done so at their homes. They are told not to eat anything and also to have bath once the eclipse has passed. “I don’t personally believe in these irrational beliefs but I do it to make my mom happy. She follows every superstition attached to it. I find it funny but don’t tell her anything because it upsets her. Since eclipses occur only a few times in a year I don’t mind it,” said Rakshita, a student.

While some are forced to follow them blindly others do so at their own will. “I sprinkle basil water on all the eatables at home. Also, I eat one leaf and give one to my husband. I have been doing this from childhood and so it has become a habit. Basil leaves have medicinal value, so it will only help not harm,” said Shashirekha, a techie. “I also bathe once the eclipse is over and only then eat or drink something,” she added.

“I used to abide by all these unreasonable ‘rules of eclipse’ when I was in school because of my mom. Once I was done with my studies, all these things faded away. Since I’m working now, I don’t have time for all this and my mom has stopped forcing me to follow these. Somehow, these traditions amaze me and I would love to go down to the roots of these funny beliefs and find out what warranted the people to start them,” exclaimed Divya Naidu, executive producer in a television channel.