What is only a cosmic event in the books of science, is again a part of rituals in the eternal Bengali Gerstali. The second solar eclipse of this year will come on August 12. Acceptance will start on August 12 at 9:04 PM. It will end on August 13 at 4:25 am. Although this full eclipse is not visible in India, there is no end to the practice of eclipse initiation and its effects in Indian families. Apart from managing the daily life, it is important to know what the householder should do in this cosmic moment.
(1) According to scriptures and folklore, the influence of negative energy increases during an eclipse. So housewives first look at the kitchen. It is customary to avoid freshly cooked or heavy meals during intake. But children, the elderly or the sick can no longer be kept fasting! There is a discount for them. However, as a special precaution, it is customary to leave a few tulsi leaves in drinking water, milk and cooked food before taking it. It is believed that tulsi leaves keep food pure and fresh.
(2) It is very important to keep the environment quiet during intake. Elders advise against using sharp objects like scissors, blades, scissors or needles. In Grihastha's Mangalkam, one can sit in one place at this time and remember the name of Ishtadev, chant the Gayatri Mantra or 'Om Suryaya Namah'. It is considered very auspicious for the prosperity of the world.
(3) Every Bengali family has an extra worry about future mothers. According to Jyotish, it is better for pregnant women to stay indoors during this time. It is best to keep away from direct sunlight or eclipse. Avoid chores like housework or sewing and read scriptures or take quiet rest for peace of mind of your child and yourself.
(4) Once the eclipse is over, it is time to clean and purify the house. Bathing in water mixed with Ganges water is an old custom of Gersthals. After that, if you donate rice, wheat, sesame seeds or clothes to the poor, it is believed that good energy will return to the world. Peace and prosperity will be maintained in the home only if the rules are followed by removing the unnecessary fear.
