What should one do during a solar eclipse?

The principal observances during Surya Grahan are: fasting throughout, intensive mantra japa (especially the Gayatri Mantra and Aditya Hridayam), meditation, and taking a sacred bath in a holy river at the eclipse end. Charitable giving (daan) immediately after the eclipse ends is also highly prescribed. Avoid sleeping, eating, or worldly engagements during the eclipse.