Harmful myths

Every country/civilisation has its own myths related to both solar and lunar eclipse. In Nepal also there are certain do’s and don’ts handed over from generation to generation. For instance, people are neither supposed to go out nor eat anything during the eclipse. Commenting on this Jayant Acharya, Nepal Chair, International Year of Astronomy 2009 said, “Sunrays kill bacteria, and since there are no rays during the eclipse, the chance of bacteria being active is high. So, I believe that is why people are told not to eat.”However, Dr Chanda Karki, gynaecologist at B&B Hospital pointed out, “The younger generation does not follow this, but we still have not witnessed any harmful effects.”The restrictions are even more heightened for a pregnant woman. She is not only supposed to stay indoors but she should also not touch her stomach or use any sharp objects.While Acharya said that though he has also heard about these things, he has no idea about the reason. On the other hand Dr Karki said, “In my career of more than 20 years or even during my student years, I have never come across mention of any medical danger of solar eclipse to a pregnant wom-an. There might be some astrological reasons but there is absolutely no connection in terms of allopathy.”She confirmed that the only health hazard of solar eclipse is to the eyes when viewed directly.