Feast organised during solar eclipse in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - The Pathani Samant Planetarium in Orissa has arranged a special feast at its campus during the solar eclipse Friday to dispel any superstition, said an official.

“There are superstitions prevalent among people that if you eat during a solar eclipse it will have a bad effect. But we want to dispel superstitions. We have arranged a special feast at the planetarium premises. It will be joined by officials and members of the public during the solar eclipse,” said Subhendu Pattnaik, deputy director of the Pathani Samant Planetarium, in Bhubaneswar.

“It is not easy to dispel the superstitions which are going on since ages. But we are trying to remove them from people’s minds through this. We have arranged to serve non-vegetarian food which will be eaten in full view to demonstrate that there is no harm if you eat during the eclipse,” he added.

Thousands of people have gathered at the planetarium premises since early Friday to witness the rare celestial sight. The planetarium has also made special arrangements for the public to view the eclipse.

Meanwhile, around 80 percent of the sun was covered in the state, which was watched by scores of people.