Lunar Eclipse 2025: Why Tradition Dictates Fasting During the Celestial Event

The last total lunar eclipse will occur on the night of September 7-8, 2025, and it will be a full moon, which is also known as Blood Moon, because of the reddish colour of the Moon during the event. It gets this unique colour because of the shadow formed by the Earth when it passes directly between the Sun and the Moon.In an eclipse there is heightened energy that impacts the environment and our internal system in many different ways. Digestion and metabolism become greatly reduced at this time and hence Ayurveda advises that one should refrain from eating during the eclipse and it is ideal to fast during this time. For those who cannot fast, it is advised to eat light food. Take a look at the reasons, why food should not be consumed during eclipse as per cultural beliefs

As per experts, it is said that during an eclipse, negative cosmic rays or energies increase, which may contaminate food and water. Eating at this time is thought to invite impurities into the body and hence one should avoid eating during th eclipse time.

Ancient texts suggest that the body’s digestive fire (Agni) weakens during an eclipse. Hence, consuming food when digestion is low was considered harmful for health. Since eclipses are seen as times of imbalance, fasting is also said to keep the body light and the mind focused on spiritual practices like meditation and chanting.

If we go by the experts, traditional beliefs mention that food left out during an eclipse becomes more prone to bacterial growth, making it unsafe to consume later. And hence, it is suggested to avoid eating any food during the hours of eclipse.

As per food experts, eclipses are seen as periods of spiritual significance. People often fast, chant mantras, and avoid eating to maintain a state of purity and focus on meditation.

As per many traditions, discarding cooked food after the eclipse and preparing fresh meals, symbolizing renewal and cleansing is considered to be a healthy practice.

As per experts, adding tulsi leaves to food, water pots, not just prevent bacterial growth but also help in the bounce back of immunity. In older times, without refrigeration, food was more prone to quick spoilage. Tulsi leaves helped slow bacterial growth and kept food fresher for longer. According to experts, eclipses were seen as times when cosmic energies could disturb natural balance. Tulsi, regarded as holy, was believed to safeguard food from negative energies.

All Images Courtesy: istockDisclaimer: The information in this article is based on traditional Hindu beliefs and cultural practices. These rituals, including the use of Tulsi leaves during a lunar eclipse, are spiritual in nature and do not have a scientific basis. Readers are advised to follow them according to personal faith and discretion.