Embracing the Shadows: A Tale of Two Cultures During Eclipses

Last Monday i.e. April 8, when the moon danced across the sun, casting a celestial shadow upon the Earth, I slept keeping my beliefs (even though that is also not to be done) of avoiding any type of shadow during an eclipse whereas there stood a crowd of eager faces, their eyes turned skyward, not in fear, but in jubilant anticipation.

This was my first eclipse in the US, a stark contrast to the eclipses in India.

In the land where I was born and raised, eclipses were shrouded in solemnity and reverence. There were times to retreat indoors, to shun the shadow that crept over the sun. We were taught to

• fast,
• pray,
• avoid going out until it is unavoidable,
• Leave outside only when the heavenly bodies have parted ways,
• Giving Alm,
• Not to watch bare eyes towards the sun or moon.

A solar eclipse is deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual traditions that span millennia. Rather than celebration, it is approached with caution and reverence, a time when one is advised to take precautions and avoid going out unnecessarily.

But here, under the vast North American sky, the eclipse was a celebration, a grand spectacle that brought people together in a way of festivity.

• Hotels along the path of totality were booked to the brim, their rooms offering a front-row seat to the cosmic show,
• Communities gathered in parks and open fields, their gazes fixed on the darkening sun through protective glasses,
• Some even chose this momentous occasion to exchange vows, their love stories entwined with the rare alignment of the sun and moon.

The economic impact was palpable, as ‘Eclipse tourism’ surged, injecting billions into the economy. It was a phenomenon that went beyond mere observation; it was an event that people traveled miles to witness, a natural wonder that turned towns into bustling hubs of excitement.

This 180-degree shift in perspective was as enlightening.

It represents that the same celestial event could hold myriad meanings across different cultures and countries.

In India, the eclipse was a shadow to be respected, a time to introspect and adhere to age-old traditions. In North America, it was a shadow to be embraced, a time to marvel at the wonders of the universe and to celebrate the grandeur of the cosmos.

As I think about my journey from one culture to another, I realize that eclipses mean more than just astronomical events. They are a mix of human beliefs, science, and tradition. Whether we look up in awe or bow our heads in reverence, eclipses remind us of our place in the vast universe and bring us together in our shared curiosity.

This post is a reminder of the diverse ways in which humanity engages with nature and a personal account of a journey from the shadows of reverence to the light of celebration.