Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad   

‘Eclipse watch’ to dispel myths

— PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

Much ado…: Electronic media vans waiting with paraphernalia to catch the solar eclipse near the Hussainsagar on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: Though a cloudy sky marred the spectacle of watching the longest solar eclipse in the century, it could not dampen the spirits of star-gazers. Several of them including families gathered at the People’s Plaza on the Necklace Road on Wednesday morning hoping to catch a glimpse of the celestial phenomenon.

The space watch ‘View Solar Eclipse’ was organised by Jana Vignana Vedika (JVV) together with organisations such as Jana Chaitanya Vedika, Lok Satta, A.P. Rationalists Association and others to allay superstitions and fears surrounding the eclipse. Though the objective sounded serious, it became an enjoyable event with children playing around while waiting for the sun to make a re-appearance. Hot breakfast and tea prepared and served by JVV activists, the act aimed at denouncing the “not-to-eat-during-eclipse” dogma, provided the much needed warmth for people feeling the cold damp climate standing in the open as strong breeze of the Hussainsagar lake struck their faces. “I am totally disappointed,” sighed Ch. Sudharani, who came to the venue along with her family, as she hoped to catch the eclipse through the solar filters provided by organisers.

“We want to dispel misbeliefs about eclipse by conducting events of this sort,” said S.S.K. Sukhadev, JVV general secretary. He was dismissive of superstitious beliefs such as ban on dining, travelling, etc. C. Ramachandraiah, of Centre for Social and Economic Studies, condemned closure of temples and educational institutions. Such acts send wrong signals to the society, he observed.

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