Eclipse of the moon occurs only on full moon day. During lunar eclipse the earth blocks the sunlight from reaching the moon. The moon does not have its own light but shines because of sunlight which reflects from its surface. New moon cannot be seen because the illuminated side of the moon is pointed away from earth. The total lunar eclipse looks very beautiful because of the filtering and refracting effect of earth’s atmosphere. The partial and total lunar eclipses are easy to observe.

In Hindu mythology there is a story that when nectar was served to God, a demon sat among demigods to get the nectar but sun and moon noted this foul trick and reported the matter to Lord Vishnu. Meanwhile that demon drank some nectar and became immortal. From that very day the demon sometimes takes revenge with sun and moon. The head of this demon is known as Rahu and tail is known as Ketu. On the day of solar and lunar eclipse Rahu and Ketu swallow the sun and moon and hence the eclipse takes place.

On the day of lunar eclipse people take bath in holy rivers and give grains and food to Brahmins. They recite the sacred Mantras and perform special Pauja. Sacred Mantras of Vedas are recited and rituals are performed on the day of lunar eclipse.