Clearing Up The Confusion Around A Solar Eclipse During Diwali

After 27 years, this year the Solar Eclipse falls (25th October) during the auspicious days of Diwali celebrations – the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

But what does this mean when we have a Solar Eclipse occurring during this period?

Usually during an Eclipse it is suggested that auspicious ceremonies do not take place – that we go inwards and focus on spiritual practices and to not go outside of the house. But Diwali is all about the festivities, celebration and meeting people, so, what does all this mean in the face of an Eclipse?

Here are some of the answers to the most asked about questions for the 2022 Diwali season:

What if the Solar Eclipse is not even visible in my country?

It will be visible from parts of Europe, north-east Africa and west Asia.It will not be visible from southern-eastern parts of Africa, east Asia, Australia, North America and South America.

Traditionally astrologers and priests suggest that if the Solar Eclipse is not visible in your area, then you do not need to conduct specific rituals usually conducted for the Eclipse, however Lakshmi Puja should not be conducted during the Eclipse times, whether visible or not.

Can I Perform Lakshmi Puja on the day of the Solar Eclipse and when?

Usually the auspicious time during Diwali to perform Lakshmi Puja (one of the main rituals of Diwali to honor the Goddess of Prosperity) takes place early evening which is after sunset and therefore the Solar Eclipse hours would have passed. However, this year, anyhow the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Diwali timings (we will send another emailer out on this so look out for it) occur at least 12 hours before the Solar Eclipse begins, the day before on the 24th October, so it is fine and will remain unimpacted by the Solar Eclipse.

Monday 24th October
New York – 07:03 PM to 08:42 PM
London – 06:34 PM to 08:11 PM
Germany – 06:36 PM to 08:12 PM
Chennai – 07:05 PM to 08:12 PM

What is the inauspicious time period?

There is a time usually just before a Solar Eclipse called Sutak, which is a 12 hour period from when it becomes visible during which it is deemed as inauspicious (it is said during this time Earth is contaminated). This is why before an Eclipse during this time we do not consume any food (for children, the sick and old this time is reduced to 3 hours prior). Sutak is usually observed if the Solar Eclipse is visible in your city, however conducting Lakshmi Puja during these times should be avoided. (Check the local times of the Solar Eclipse in your city).

I am Gujarati and our New Year is usually the day after Diwali, which in 2022 is the day of the Solar Eclipse. What should we do?

Most Lunar calendars start the year on Shukla Paksha Pratipada during Chaitra month and this day is celebrated as Gudi Padwa and Yugadi. However in Gujarat New Year, also known as Bestu Varas or Gujarati Nav Varsh, starts on Shukla Paksha Pratipada in the month of Kartik, which usually falls the exact day after Diwali.

It is the start of the Gujarati calendar, Vikram Samvat, which represents the closing of old books of accounts and the opening of new ones and bids farewell to the previous years’ difficulties, ready to make a fresh start and begins with Annakut Puja, also known as Gowardhan Puja.

Although it usually follows Diwali, there may be a one-day gap between Diwali and Gujarati New Year and for 2022 this is the case. So, fortunately, the Gujarati New Year day does not have to be changed. According to the Vikram Samvat it falls on 26th October, the day after the Solar Eclipse.

The Story Behind Gujarati New Year

Gujarati New Year is celebrated after Diwali as the day when Lord Krishna (an incarnation of the supreme Lord Vishnu) defeated God Indra. According to the Vishnu Puraan (ancient text), Lord Krishna convinced the people of Gokul that as farmers and shepherds, their Dharma (cosmic law) was to attend to their own farms, protect their cattle and worshiping the prosperity-giving Govardhan Hill, rather than give offerings to Lord Indra (King of the Gods) to provide rainfall. This enraged Lord Indra, who in turn flooded Gokul for seven days and nights causing loss of life, animals and property. To end the suffering Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill using his little finger, providing shelter and safety to the people, crops and cattle of Gokul. Later, Lord Indra realised his mistake and apologised to Lord Krishna. Since then, it has become a tradition to worship Govardhan Hill and celebrate this day as the New Year by the people of Gujarat.

Can I go to the temple during the Eclipse times as it is Diwali

It is common that during an Eclipse temples are closed. According to Hindu texts, during an eclipse, divine bodies, especially the Sun and the Moon are deemed to emoth negative energies. Therefore the doors to the temples are usually closed to prevent the negative energies entering the temple.

For more information on what to do and not do during the Solar Eclipse tap here and to read more about the Solar Eclipse Season tap here.