Lunar eclipse on September 7 to be visible across India; rituals at Puri Jagannath Temple rescheduled

Bhubaneswar, Sept 6: The second and final lunar eclipse of 2025 will occur on the night of September 7, visible across India, including Odisha. The spectacular cosmic event, during which the moon will take on a blood-red hue, will begin at 9:57:22 PM on Sunday and conclude at 1:27:17 AM on Monday, September 8.

Astronomers describe the phenomenon as a rare celestial alignment, while astrologers claim it will influence all 12 zodiac signs and 27 constellations, bringing mixed results of challenges and opportunities. Traditionally, lunar eclipses are considered inauspicious in Hindu belief, leading to ritual adjustments at major temples.

In Puri, the Shree Jagannath Temple will undergo significant changes in its daily schedule. Priests Padmanabha Tripathi and servitor Madhab Mahapatra confirmed that several rituals will be simplified or rescheduled to accommodate the eclipse.

As per the revised schedule, “Paka Tyaga” (cessation of cooking) will begin at 12:57:22 PM on September 7. Following the eclipse, the “Dwaraphita” ritual will be performed at 2:00 AM on September 8, along with cleansing, alati, and other mandatory rites. The sacred sequence will culminate with the “Grahan Mahasnan” (ritual bath) and “Grahan Bhoga.”

The Jagannath Temple Administration assured devotees that despite the unusual timing, all rituals will be performed in accordance with tradition.