On 31 January 2018, Thaipusam day, there is a lunar eclipse (chandra grahanam). Hindu temples in Singapore will close early due to the eclipse. 

As there is a lunar eclipse on Thaipusam day (31/01/2018), the Thaipusam procession will start earlier at SSPT on the eve (30 January 2018) from 9.30 pm. Doors to STT will open at 10.31pm (30 January 2018). 

All devotees have to complete their walk/ vows and reach STT by 6.30pm on Thaipusam day as no religious and milk offerings can be made during a lunar eclipse. 

Eclipse

Solar and Lunar eclipses are very significant in Hinduism. Historically, Hindu temples where a Solar or Lunar eclipse can be witnessed, will remain closed during the period of the eclipse. During an eclipse, light and energy from the sun or moon are blocked and cannot reach the earth. Eclipses are therefore considered inauspicious and Hindu temples are closed. Arulmigu Thendayuthapani Swamy Thirukovil (Palani) and religious experts were consulted regarding the above information.

Eclipse Timing On 31 January 2018

Lunar eclipses look approximately the same all over the world and happen at the same time. The times displayed are accurate to around 2-3 seconds.

Event	UTC Time	Time in Singapore	Visible in Singapore
Penumbral Eclipse begins	31 Jan, 10:51:13	31 Jan, 18:51:13	No, below horizon*
Partial Eclipse begins	31 Jan, 11:48:27	31 Jan, 19:48:27	Yes
Full Eclipse begins	31 Jan, 12:51:47	31 Jan, 20:51:47	Yes
Maximum Eclipse	31 Jan, 13:29:51	31 Jan, 21:29:51	Yes
Full Eclipse ends	31 Jan, 14:07:51	31 Jan, 22:07:51	Yes
Partial Eclipse ends	31 Jan, 15:11:11	31 Jan, 23:11:11	Yes
Penumbral Eclipse ends	31 Jan, 16:08:29	1 Feb, 00:08:29	Yes

• The Moon is below the horizon in Singapore some of the time, so that part of the eclipse is not visible. (Source: www.timeanddate.com)
• Hindu Almanacs (panchangams) confirm the above information.

For more information, please visit: www.thaipusam.sg