According to sources Mangaluru, the Federation of Indian Rationalist Association (FIRA) celebrated the super-moon eclipse in a unique way by distributing and gorging on sweets and savories. Sources have stated that since the lunar eclipse was predicted to occur between 7 pm and 9 pm, the FIRA decided to distribute eatables at the same time.
Meanwhile a few temples in the city had announced that they would not serve prasadam during the eclipse. Accordingly FIRA’s president Narendra Nayak called the popular superstitions associated with lunar eclipse unscientific and illogical. Narendra stated that astrologers predict special effects for people whose stars under which they are born falls within certain days before and after the event.
Moreover another superstitious practice is telling
pregnant women to stay indoors for the safety of their child. Further as per
what is commonly believed, the child will die in the womb or will have
deformities. Moreover according to Narendra, a pregnant woman came out in
support of the rationalists and in turn 'exposed' herself to the ‘deadly
radiations’ emanating from eclipse.
