On March 18, 1988 and September 13, 1987 the moon partially passed between the Earth and sun bringing a solar eclipse to India . Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims bathed, dressed and undressed, in the giant sacred pools at Sannihit . Many carried coconuts or gave alms to beggars and priests. Hundreds of thousands 12-year-old boy drowned. Smaller numbers bathed at rivers and pools throughout India . The eclipse, which lasted about 90 minutes , was the third in the past year . The others occurred on March 18 and Sept. 13, 1987. The others occurred on March 18, 1988 and September 13, 1987 .
On March 18, 1988 and September 13, 1987 the moon partially passed between the Earth and sun bringing a solar eclipse to India . Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims bathed, dressed and undressed, in the giant sacred pools at Sannihit . Many carried coconuts or gave alms to beggars and priests. Hundreds of thousands 12-year-old boy drowned. Smaller numbers bathed at rivers and pools throughout India . The eclipse, which lasted about 90 minutes , was the third in the past year . The others occurred on March 18, 1988 and September 13, 1987 .