"Lunar eclipse - Chandra Grahan", Partial on June 26th & December 21st 2010

A partial lunar eclipse will take place on June 26, 2010, the first of two lunar eclipses in 2010. The second will be a total eclipse on December 21, 2010.

Where will the Eclipse Occur?

The June 26 eclipse will be visible to observers in places such as:

• Hawaii.
• Western Alaska.
• Australia.
• New Zealand.
• Eastern portions of Malaysia and other parts of Asia. 

The following map shows the detail view of the Chandra Grahan on June 26, 2010 around the world:

Chandra Grahan and Hindus

Usually during a Chandra Grahan, a fast (Upvaas) is observed by certain communities in Hindu religion. The fast begins about 9 hours before the beginning of Chandra Grahan.

People also take a bath in cold water and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Shiva like the Ashtakshara Mantra or Mrityunjaya Mantra. This is done whenever Surya and Chandra are under the influence of Rahu. Pregnant women chant the Santana Gopala Mantra.

Note: There is no need to follow any rituals for this grahan as it is not visible in India. Panchangs and Calendars have ignored this grahan mostly.