Puri: With partial lunar eclipse set to be visible in Odisha on the intervening night of October 28-29, Jagannath temple in Puri has released the schedule of “Paka Tyaga” (abstention from food) on the day.
As per the almanac, approved by the Jagannath temple, the partial lunar eclipse will start at 55 seconds past 1.04 am on October 29. The eclipse, which will continue for 1 hour 19 minute and 7 second, will end at 2 second past 2.24 am.
The pandits of the temple have prescribed that the people should not take food at least 9 hours before the beginning of the eclipse. They should stop taking food (Paka Tyaga) at 55 seconds past 4.04 pm on October 28. The fast will end at 2 seconds past 2.24 am on October 29.
On the eclipse day (October 28-29), the people should abstain from performing holy works including performing puja of Gods and Goddesses, they advised.
The schedule of rituals in Jagannath temple has also been changed due to the lunar eclipse. As per tradition, special rituals including bathing of the deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, and offering special prasad will be performed from the time the eclipse starts.
Doubt over Kumar Purnima
Since lunar eclipse coincides with “Kumar Purnima”, people celebrating the festival are confused about performing the puja at night. As per the tradition, unmarried girls perform Surya Puja in the day time and wait until moon comes up in the sky to offer prasad. After completion of both puja, they partake the prasad.
With “Paka Tyaga” starting from the afternoon on October 28 for lunar eclipse, the girls are in doubt how to celebrate Kumar Purnima on the same day and whether there is any alternative process for the situation.