Patna: The second solar eclipse of 2026 will take place on Wednesday, August 12, but it will not be visible from India as the event occurs during nighttime in the country.
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will pass across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal. Parts of Europe, North America and north-western Africa will witness a partial eclipse.
In India, the eclipse will take place below the horizon. Astronomy data confirms that the event will not be visible from Indian locations.
Sutak Period Not Observed In India
According to traditional Hindu practices, the Sutak period is observed before a solar eclipse and is associated with restrictions on certain religious and auspicious activities.
However, these practices are generally linked to an eclipse being visible at a particular location. Since the August 12 eclipse will not be visible in India, the Sutak period is traditionally not considered applicable here.
Regular worship and prayers can therefore continue in temples and homes according to local religious practices.
Traditional Precautions For Pregnant Women
Religious and astrological traditions prescribe certain precautions for pregnant women during a solar eclipse. These include staying indoors during the eclipse, avoiding the use of knives, scissors, needles and other sharp objects, and spending the period in prayer or meditation.
These are traditional religious beliefs rather than scientifically established medical precautions. There is no scientific evidence that a solar eclipse itself poses a special health risk to pregnant women.
Pregnant women should continue following advice from their healthcare providers regarding nutrition, medication, activity and other aspects of pregnancy.
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Religious Beliefs About Food
Some Hindu traditions also advise against cooking or consuming food prepared during the eclipse period, based on the belief that food may become contaminated during an eclipse.
Followers who observe these traditions may choose to eat before the traditionally prescribed period begins and spend the eclipse period in prayer, meditation or other spiritual practices.
Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, the associated religious restrictions are not considered applicable locally under the customary interpretation followed in many Hindu traditions.
Where The Eclipse Will Be Visible
The total phase will be visible along a narrow path crossing parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal. A much wider area across the Northern Hemisphere will experience a partial solar eclipse.
The August 12 event is the year’s second solar eclipse. The first, an annular solar eclipse, occurred on February 17 and was also not visible from India.
