Breaking News: Longest Lunar Eclipse Since 2022 to Grace Skies Tonight, Coincides with Pitru Paksha After 122 Years

Tonight, September 7–8, 2025, skywatchers across India and beyond are in for a celestial treat as the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 illuminates the night sky. This spectacular event, known as a Chandra Grahan or Blood Moon, will last for approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes, with the Moon turning a striking deep red hue. Adding to its significance, this eclipse coincides with the start of Pitru Paksha, a sacred 16-day Hindu period dedicated to honoring ancestors, for the first time in 122 years. Here’s everything you need to know about this rare astronomical and spiritual event.

When and Where to Watch the Lunar Eclipse

The total lunar eclipse will unfold on the night of September 7, 2025, and continue into the early hours of September 8. According to astronomical data, the key timings in Indian Standard Time (IST) are:

• Start: 9:58 PM IST
• Peak (Maximum Eclipse): 11:42 PM IST
• End: 1:26 AM IST (September 8)
• Total Duration: ~3 hours and 28 minutes, with totality lasting 82 minutes

This eclipse will be visible across India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. It will also be observable in parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, wherever the Moon is above the horizon. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, making it a perfect event for families and stargazers to enjoy together.

For the best experience, find a spot with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the sky. High-resolution viewing facilities, such as those set up at Lucknow’s Science City Centre, are also hosting public observations with telescopes for an enhanced experience.

Why Is It Called a Blood Moon?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. During totality, the Moon takes on a reddish hue, popularly known as a "Blood Moon," due to sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters shorter blue wavelengths and allows longer red wavelengths to reach the Moon. This phenomenon, coinciding with September’s Full Moon (also called the Corn Moon), promises a mesmerizing spectacle.

Spiritual Significance: Pitru Paksha Alignment

The eclipse’s alignment with the start of Pitru Paksha, beginning on September 7, 2025, and ending on September 21 with Mahalaya Amavasya, adds profound spiritual weight. Pitru Paksha is a sacred period in Hinduism dedicated to performing rituals like Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shradh to honor ancestors and seek their blessings for peace and prosperity. The chargesheet notes that this rare celestial-spiritual convergence, last seen 122 years ago, amplifies the event’s significance, making it a powerful time for spiritual practices.

However, Hindu tradition considers eclipses inauspicious, and the Sutak Kaal—an inauspicious period beginning 9 hours before the eclipse at 12:57 PM IST on September 7—requires specific observances. During Sutak, temples remain closed, and auspicious activities like cooking, eating, or performing pujas are avoided. Instead, devotees are encouraged to engage in meditation, mantra chanting (e.g., Mahamrityunjaya or Gayatri Mantra), or charity to harness the amplified spiritual energy.

Rituals and Precautions During the Eclipse

The chargesheet and traditional sources outline several dos and don’ts for observing the eclipse during Pitru Paksha:

• Do:
  • Perform Shradh rituals, such as Tarpan or Pind Daan, before the Sutak period begins (ideally during Kutup Kaal, 11:53 AM–12:44 PM IST).
  • Chant mantras or meditate to channel positive energy, believed to be magnified during the eclipse.
  • Take a cleansing bath after the eclipse to wash away negative energies.
  • Offer charity, such as food or clothes, in the name of ancestors for blessings.
• Don’t:
  • Cook or eat during the Sutak period to avoid consuming tamasic (impure) food. Place tulsi leaves or darbha grass in stored food to preserve purity.
  • Start new ventures or perform auspicious rituals like weddings during the eclipse.
  • Pregnant women are advised to take extra precautions, such as staying indoors, due to traditional beliefs about eclipse-related energies.

A Rare Celestial and Cultural Moment

The convergence of this lunar eclipse with Pitru Paksha is a historic event, as it marks the first time in 122 years that these two phenomena align. Additionally, Pitru Paksha 2025 will conclude with a partial solar eclipse on September 21, further enhancing its astrological significance. Astrologers note that this period offers a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and ancestral veneration, with acts of charity and mantra chanting believed to bring peace to departed souls and blessings to families.

From a scientific perspective, the eclipse is a stunning display of celestial mechanics, with no harmful effects on health or daily activities. Claims about increased microbial activity or food contamination during eclipses lack scientific backing, but many follow these traditions for cultural and spiritual reasons.

How to Enjoy the Eclipse

• Observe Safely: No special equipment is needed; simply step outside to witness the Moon’s transformation. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view.
• Capture the Moment: Photograph the Blood Moon using a camera with a zoom lens or a smartphone with night mode for stunning shots.
• Join Community Events: Check local science centers or observatories, like Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, for interactive eclipse-watching sessions.
• Live Streaming: If weather conditions are unfavorable, watch live streams on platforms like NASA’s website or Indian astronomical society channels.

A Night to Remember

The lunar eclipse of September 7–8, 2025, is more than just an astronomical event—it’s a rare blend of science, culture, and spirituality. Whether you’re marveling at the Blood Moon’s beauty or honoring ancestors during Pitru Paksha, this night offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and tradition. So, grab a spot on your balcony, chant a mantra, or simply gaze at the sky to witness this extraordinary event that won’t occur again in such alignment for generations.