Cloudy skies eclipse solar spectacle in Kovai, Erode, TPDK holds arivu virundhu

People from different walks of life including students and enthusiasts had gathered at Sengunthar Government Higher Secondary School in Erode, organized by the Regional Science Centre, to watch the astronomical event. “However, due to heavy clouds, solar eclipse was not visible in Erode district. Then, the people were screened solar eclipse witnessed in others parts of the State,” said Mohana, the district science officer.

In Coimbatore, the eclipse was visible for just a short span due to cloudy skies. It was predicted that the eclipse would be visible for three minutes from 9.29 am to 9.31 am. But the eclipse was visible only for brief period, when almost 93 per cent of the sun was found eclipsed by the moon.

On the other hand, it turned out to be a visual treat for those in Ooty, where the solar eclipse was seen very clearly. Tourists and public were excited to see the eclipse through 12 telescopes kept in Ooty Government Arts College campus. Also, 6,000 sun filter goggles were given to public to view the rare spectacle.

Meanwhile, the members of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) had organized ‘arivu virundhu’ (knowledge feast) to bust those superstitious beliefs on the astronomical event.

The members led by TPDK president K Ramakrishnan gathered in front of the statue of Periyar statue in Gandhipuram and had breakfast at the time of solar eclipse.

“People still believe in superstitions like they shouldn’t have food during eclipse. They also do not venture out and mainly pregnant woman are restricted from witnessing the eclipse. In order to prove that these are baseless and unscientific claims, we had breakfast in the open area during the eclipse,” said K Ramakrishnan, to media.

Most of the arterial roads in Coimbatore remained deserted as people stayed indoors during the solar eclipse. Also the temples remained closed during the day time and were opened only in the evenings.