As the moon darkens tonight in a celestial dance, are you shutting your kitchen or just shutting out the noise? Let’s talk about what’s fact, what’s folklore, and what’s just plain fear.
As the Lunar Eclipse unfolds today, millions of people across India are following time-honoured rituals some rooted in faith, others in fear. From covering cooked meals to skipping food altogether, food-related customs take center stage during eclipses. But here’s the question: Do these beliefs still hold up under modern scrutiny?
Let’s take a closer look at the most common food and health myths doing the rounds today and what science has to say about them.
Myth 1: “Food Turns Toxic During the Eclipse”
Heard that your lunch is suddenly unsafe because the moon’s in shadow? You’re not alone. Many families have cleared their dining tables, afraid that cosmic rays might spoil their meals.
Whereas, There’s no scientific basis for this belief. A lunar eclipse is just Earth casting a shadow on the moon not your food. Food safety remains unaffected.
Myth 2: “Tulsi Leaves Make Everything Safe”
Adding tulsi to water, rice, or even milk has become a go-to ritual today. It’s believed that tulsi can shield food from “negative energy.”
Whereas, Tulsi does have natural healing properties, but it’s not a magical purifier during an eclipse. The practice is more spiritual than scientific.
Myth 3: “Pregnant Women Must Stay Indoors and Fast”
This one hits hard. Pregnant women are often told not to eat, drink, or even move freely during an eclipse many are even confined to dark rooms.
Doctors strongly advise against this. Skipping meals or staying dehydrated can be harmful, especially during pregnancy. Eclipses don’t affect the unborn malnutrition does.
Myth 4: “You Must Fast to Avoid Negative Energy”
Spiritual fasts are common today not eating until the eclipse ends, or eating only raw foods to avoid “contaminated” cooking.
Whereas, Fasting is a personal or religious choice, not a universal health rule. If it’s meaningful for you, do it mindfully but not because of misplaced fear.
What You Can Do Today (No Superstition Required)
- Eat light, sattvic meals if you’re observing the tradition
- Avoid food wastage in the name of ritual.
- Use this time for quiet reflection or meditation.
- Share science-based awareness with family and friends.
- Don’t spread unverified WhatsApp forwards.
Tonight, let the moon cast its shadow, not superstition.
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