Partial Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) on September 21, 2025: What We Know

September 21, 2025 Sheetal

On September 21, 2025, a partial solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) will occur. In this eclipse, the Moon will pass between Earth and the Sun, but it will not block the Sun completely — only part of its surface will be obscured. This partial eclipse is the last solar eclipse of the year.

When Surya Grahan Happens (IST & Around the World)

For those tracking in Indian Standard Time (IST), the event’s phases are:

Begins at 10:59 PM IST on September 21
Peaks at about 1:11 AM IST on September 22
Ends around 3:23 AM IST on September 22

These times are based on astronomical calculations and international space tracking data. It coincides closely with the September equinox, which adds a seasonal and astronomical symbolism to the event.

Will It Be Visible in India?

No — the eclipse will not be visible from anywhere in India. By the time the eclipse begins, the Sun will already have set in most Indian regions, making any visual observation impossible. The visibility is instead limited to parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including Antarctica, southern New Zealand, Australia, and certain Pacific Islands. Viewers in those regions will see the Sun partially covered — sometimes dramatically at sunrise.

Even though the eclipse can’t be seen in India, it has astronomically and culturally been observed and discussed widely, and many people plan to follow it via live streams from observatories or scientific agencies.

Cultural & Astrological Significance

Even when an eclipse isn’t visible locally, in Indian tradition, it still carries meaning. This Surya Grahan occurs on Shradh Amavasya, sometimes called Mahashraddha, a time when people traditionally pay tribute to ancestors. Many astrologers believe events of cosmic scale like eclipses can influence energy, mindset, and spiritual realms.

Because it’s not visible in India, the usual “Sutak Kaal” (the inauspicious time before an eclipse) is not observed locally — many experts say that since the eclipse occurs after sunset there, it doesn’t trigger rituals or restrictions tied to Sutak in India.

Still, astrologers and spiritual guides suggest that this is a good time for:

Reflection and meditation
Engaging in prayers or recitations of mantras linked to the Sun deity (Surya)
Charitable acts and donation, particularly to the needy
Bathing or purifying rituals after the eclipse period, even symbolically

Do’s, Don’ts & Ritual Guidelines of Surya Grahan

Though the eclipse won’t be seen in India, traditions associated with eclipses are being shared:

What people are advised to do:

Chant mantras to Lord Surya, such as “Om Suryaya Namah”
Recite prayers like the Aditya Hriday Stotram
Maintain cleanliness, wear clean clothes
Keep a calm mindset; spend time in prayer or spiritual reading
Give donations, especially grains, red clothes, or items for the needy

What is traditionally avoided:

Cooking during the eclipse period
Eating altogether during the eclipse or immediately before
Starting new work or major undertakings
Going out unnecessarily
Exposure to the Sun without proper protection if observing from visibility zones

For pregnant women, cultural guidance leans toward staying in, avoiding stress, and protecting health. Modern health advice is to take care of eyes, stay hydrated, avoid physical strain, and not risk looking directly at any eclipse even in places where visible.

Safety & Scientific Notes

If you are in a location where the eclipse is visible, never look at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or solar filters. Looking unprotected even for a few seconds can harm eyes permanently.
Partial eclipses don’t create the dramatic darkness of total ones, but even a sliver of sunlight can be intense.
Online live streams from observatories or space agencies are reliable options where visibility is not possible.
Because the eclipse is partial and occurs at night in India, there’s no physical impact of darkness or noticeable environmental change locally; the risk is more psychological or cultural.

Why It Matters Even If Not Seen Locally

Even when an eclipse isn’t visible from your location, it connects us to global cycles. Astronomically, the alignment of Sun, Moon, Earth speaks to the patterns of time, seasons, and celestial mechanics. Astrologically and culturally, it invites reflection: on impermanence, beginnings and endings, unseen influences.

For astrology, people believe eclipses can influence energies, reveal hidden truths, trigger internal shifts. In this case, the coincidence with Shradh Amavasya and the September equinox adds layers: remembrance, letting go, renewal.

Final Thoughts

The partial solar eclipse or Surya Grahan of September 21, 2025 serves as a reminder that even if our skies are clouded, or we are out of sight of the phenomenon, cosmic events bind us. While India will miss the visual spectacle, its symbolic weight is being felt. Whether through ancient rituals or watching via livestream, Surya Grahan offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect with something larger than ourselves.