Solar Eclipse 2025 in India: What Food to Eat & Avoid During Surya Grahan on March 29

Surya Grahan 2025: The first solar eclipse of 2025 will occur today, i.e., March 29, 2025. While this partial solar eclipse will not be visible from India, many individuals in the country observe traditional practices during such celestial events, particularly concerning what food to eat and avoid during surya grahan.

Surya Grahan Time In India: The partial solar eclipse will begin at 2:21 PM today, according to Indian Standard Time (IST), and is expected to reach its maximum phase at 4:15 PM and conclude at 6:14 PM, as per reports. The Surya Grahan on March 29 will last for almost 4 hours, and according to NASA, the partial solar eclipse will be visible across Greenland, Iceland, northwestern Africa, Europe, eastern Canada, and parts of the northeastern United States.

Practices During Surya Grahan 2025

Many households observe strict fasting rules during a solar eclipse in India, refraining from food and water as soon as the Sutak period begins. It is widely believed that during an eclipse, a person's health, emotions, and energy levels may be affected. To avoid any negative influences, many follow spiritual practices such as fasting, meditation, and avoiding certain activities during the solar eclipse in India.

Once the Surya Grahan ends, it is strongly advised to bathe and cleanse the home. Many also sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) in their surroundings for additional purification after the solar eclipse.

What Foods to Avoid During Surya Grahan 2025

1. Avoid Meat and Eggs During the Eclipse

Traditional beliefs suggest that consuming meat, fish, and eggs during a solar eclipse can attract negative energies. These foods are considered tamasic, which means they are difficult to digest, especially when the body's digestive fire (Agni) is believed to be weakened. Many people go for a sattvic diet instead.

2. Say No to Alcohol During Surya Grahan

Drinking alcohol during a surya grahan is discouraged, as it is believed to disturb the body's natural balance. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate the body, which may lead to discomfort when fasting during the eclipse.

4. Skip Dairy Products Like Milk and Curd

Many people avoid dairy products until the solar eclipse today has ended, and milk, curd, paneer, are often left untouched during Surya Grahan 2025 as people believe absence of sunlight may lead to bacterial growth.

5. Avoid Heavy Foods

It is often said that the body's metabolism slows down during an eclipse, making heavy foods uncomfortable to digest. So it is preferred to eat light food after the Surya Grahan.

7. Don't Consume Old and Leftover Food

It is a common practice in many households to prepare fresh meals only after the eclipse is over since the food prepared prior is considered impure and is discarded.

What Food To Eat During Surya Grahan 2025?

Fasting is a widely practised tradition during Surya Grahan in India. Many people choose to avoid food entirely until after the eclipse ends, believing it helps cleanse the body and mind. After the solar eclipse, they break their fast by taking a bath and consuming freshly prepared meals as part of their purification rituals. For others, here is some of the food you can consume during this time:

• Instead of caffeinated drinks, opt for ginger, turmeric, or fennel tea during the solar eclipse in 2025 to aid digestion and keep the body warm.
• Almonds, walnuts, and raisins provide energy and are easy to digest, making them a great option during the Surya Grahan, especially for those fasting.
• Bananas, apples, and pomegranates are sattvic foods that promote well-being and provide hydration, making them an ideal choice.
• Adding Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves to drinking water during the solar eclipse today is believed to purify the water and ward off negative energies.