The year 2024 will see the occurrence of 2 lunar and 2 solar eclipses. The first lunar eclipse is coinciding with the festival of colours Holi. So will Holi be celebrated in the shadow of the first lunar eclipse of the year? Let’s see how it will affect the festival of colours.
Lunar and Solar eclipses in 2024
In astrology, the occurrence of an eclipse is considered very special. The new year has started and a total of 4 eclipses will occur in the year 2024, out of which two will be lunar eclipses and two solar eclipses.
The first eclipse of the year 2024 will occur on March 25, which will be a lunar eclipse. On this day the Moon will be present in the zodiac sign Virgo where Rahu will already be present. This year the festival of Holi will be celebrated during the lunar eclipse.
According to the Panchang, lunar eclipse will occur on the full moon date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month i.e. Monday 25 March 2024. This lunar eclipse will take place in Virgo. The first lunar eclipse of the year will start from 10:23 am in the morning and will last till 03:02 pm. However, this lunar eclipse will not be visible in India, due to which its Sutak period will not be valid here.
Where will the first lunar eclipse of the year be visible? This lunar eclipse will be visible in America, Japan, some parts of Russia, Ireland, England, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Southern Norway and Switzerland. As already mentioned according to the English calendar, there will be four eclipses in the year 2024. The first lunar eclipse is going to occur on Monday, March 25. The second lunar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, September 18, while the first solar eclipse is going to take place on Monday, 8th April and the second solar eclipse is going to take place on Wednesday, 2nd October.
Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan will be performed on Sunday 24th March and Dhulandi i.e. Holi will be played on Monday 25th March. On March 25 itself, there will be a lunar eclipse from 10:23 am to 3:02 pm.
Holi in the shadow of lunar eclipse
According to the calculations of the Panchang, in the year 2024, the festival of Holi will be celebrated on March 25 and a lunar eclipse will also occur on the same day. According to the Vedic calendar, the full moon date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month will start at 09:57 pm on March 24 and will end at 12:32 am on March 25. Therefore, this way, the festival of Holi will be celebrated under the shadow of lunar eclipse on 25th March.
First lunar eclipse of 2024 on March 25
As already mentioned that the first lunar eclipse of 2024 will take place on March 25 and will be a penumbral lunar eclipse and its Sutak period will also not be valid. During this period the Moon passes only through the outer edges of the Earth’s shadow. During this time the eclipse will be very weak, making it difficult to see it with the naked eye compared to a total or partial eclipse.
Lunar eclipse time
From 10:23 am in the morning to 03:02 pm.
Total duration of lunar eclipse: 04 hours 36 minutes.
Will lunar eclipse affect Holi?
The lunar eclipse this year will not be visible in India. Since the eclipse is not visible in India, it will not have any impact, which means that Sutak period will also not be valid here, due to which there will won’t be any problem in performing puja etc. without any hassle on the day of Holi.
Effect of lunar eclipse on zodiac signs
According to Vedic astrology, the lunar eclipse occurring on March 25 will affect people of all zodiac signs. But people of some zodiac signs will be affected pecularly by this lunar eclipse as it will prove lucky for them and they may end up making substantial financial gains. The zodiac signs who will be positively affected by this lunar eclipse are Gemini, Leo, Capricorn and Sagittarius.
First solar eclipse in 2024
After the first lunar eclipse of the year, the first solar eclipse of the year will occur on Chaitra Amavasya in April. It will be visible in Western Asia, South-West Europe, Australia, Africa, North America, South America, Atlantic Ocean, North Pole and South Pole. Even its thread will not be valid in India.
Last lunar eclipse on 18 September: The last lunar eclipse of the year will take place on 18 September 2024. This partial lunar eclipse will not be visible in India. It will also be visible in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica. During this eclipse only a small part of the Moon will enter deep shadow.
Second lunar eclipse time: 06:12 am to 10:17 am
Total duration of second lunar eclipse: 04 hours 04 minutes