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The world will witness a total solar eclipse on Tuesday, July 2. The upcoming solar eclipse or Surya Grahan could last for four minutes and 33 seconds. A total solar eclipse occurs when the sun is covered totally by the shadow of the moon.

The Pacific Ocean, Chile and Argentina will get a great look at a total solar eclipse on July 2. Skywatchers in India will have to depend on live streaming by different platforms to watch July's solar eclipse.

The total solar eclipse will take place at 16.55 UTC ie 10.25 pm on July 2 in India. A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay given the weather is conducive. Since it is going to be night time in India, it won't be visible for those living in the Indian subcontinent.

Skywatchers in India can watch live streaming of the upcoming solar eclipse on YouTube.

How to Watch Solar Eclipse?

People should never look at the solar eclipse directly. Get special eclipse glasses through which you can look at the sun and not get your eyes hurt or face irritation. You can also check if certain observatories nearby are holding a special event to observe the celestial event. They have good equipment, telescopes, and pinhole cameras through which you can watch the solar eclipse.

Diet Do’s and Don’ts to Stay Safe During the Eclipse  

Though modern science doesn’t endorse any change in diet during the eclipse, if you choose to follow traditional guidelines, here’s what you should keep in mind:

According to Ayurveda, people stop oneself from eating during the eclipse, but there are exceptions for aged, ailing and pregnant patients who can eat light, sattvic food that can be easily digested. “Rice gruel or moong-soaked water are good options for such people,” says Dr. Sampat. She adds that Ayurveda recommends that women not step out during a solar eclipse as the UV rays may be damaging for the fetus.

While drinking water is also to be avoided if you must drink, try to sip on lukewarm, boiled water. “Boiled water in Ayurveda refers to water that is boiled to 1/8th of quantity and is lighter to digest,” says Dr. Sampat.

It is best to avoid hard-to-digest foods, be it non-vegetarian food, bread, onion, garlic, alcohol, or fermented foods.

Post the eclipse, you can return to your usual diet but start slow by eating easily digestible fruits, rice gruel or puffed rice which will give you instant energy and are healthy.

Eat cooked foods that are rich in turmeric and add tulsi to whatever you eat or drink as it can restore immunity power.

By Sowmya Sangam