Astrologers issue Rakhi caution to all sisters

According to city-based astrologers, rakhis should be tied at least 12 hours before the eclipse begins to prevent negativity from creeping into the sibling ties. Raksha bandhan falls on August 16. On the same evening, a lunar eclipse will begin from 11.53 pm and end at 5.27 am on Sunday. Though the eclipse begins late in the night, astrologers say no auspicious task should be taken up 12 hours before and after it. If sisters tie rakhis on their brothers’ hands after the deadline or during the grahanam, they are taking a risk, astrologers warn.

“The eclipse is not an auspicious time to tie a rakhi,” says Mr M. Ramana Rao, an astropalmist in the city. “It is highly dangerous to tie rakhi after 11 am.” Astrologers are especially wary since the eclipse coincides with the season of Kalasarpa dosham which is a time of disasters. They have urged pregnant woman to be indoors and people not to start any new venture during this time. People should also stop eating six hours before the eclipse. If one ignores these warnings and celebrates rakhi, visits a temple or eats food, there would be reverse effect, astrologers have cautioned.

“Because of the two eclipses and Kalasarpa dosha, there will be disturbances and calamities across the globe,” says Mr G. Bhattacharya, an astrologer and disciple of Sri Chinajeeyar Swamiji. “Relationships will also sour.” The moon enters the penumbra, the partial shadow area, at 11.53 pm on August 16 and the total shadow, the umbra, at 1.06 am. It leaves the umbra at 4.15 am and the penumbra at 5.27 am on August 17. The eclipse will be 80 per cent over the city.