Solar Eclipse on Phalguna Amavasya: Will It Be Visible in India? Is Sutak Applicable? When to Perform Pitru Tarpan?

Phalguna Amavasya falls on Tuesday, February 17 this year, and coincides with the first solar eclipse of the year. This has led to confusion among devotees regarding the timing of Amavasya rituals such as holy bathing, charity, Pitru Tarpan, and Shraddha.

When Does Phalguna Amavasya Begin?

The Amavasya tithi begins on Monday, February 16 at 5:34 PM and will remain until Tuesday, February 17 at 5:30 PM. Since the Amavasya falls on the Udaya Tithi (sunrise date) of February 17, it will be observed on that day.

Therefore, holy bathing (snan), charity (daan), Pitru Tarpan, and Shraddha rituals should be performed on February 17.

Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India?

The first solar eclipse of the year will not be visible in India. According to traditional beliefs, when an eclipse is not visible in India, the Sutak period (inauspicious time before the eclipse) is not applicable.

The eclipse will be visible in regions including Antarctica, Argentina, Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory, Chile, Comoros, Eswatini, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion Islands, South Africa, South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands, and Tanzania.

The eclipse will begin at 3:26 PM, reach its peak around 5:42 PM, and conclude at 7:57 PM (IST).

If the eclipse were visible in India, the Sutak period would have started 12 hours earlier, during which temple rituals and auspicious activities are generally paused. However, since it is not visible in India, no Sutak restrictions will apply.

Devotees can peacefully perform Amavasya rituals without any prohibition.

What to Do on Phalguna Amavasya

• Take a holy bath in the morning, preferably in a sacred river.
• Offer water (jal) to ancestors mixed with black sesame seeds (til) and kusha grass for Pitru Tarpan.
• Perform Shraddha rituals in the afternoon.
• Donate clothes, food grains, jaggery, umbrellas, and other essentials in the name of ancestors.
• Light cow-dung cakes (kande) and offer kheer and puri as part of Shraddha rituals.
• Offer water to a Peepal tree and light a lamp under it in the evening in memory of ancestors.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.