Sun Dec 22 02:52:53 UTC 2024: ## Winter Solstice Ushers in Shortest Day, Longest Night

**New Delhi, India** – Today marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. At 4:21 AM ET, the North Pole reached its furthest tilt away from the sun, officially beginning astronomical winter. While sunrise in India occurred at 7:10 AM IST and sunset at 5:29 PM IST, each day will now see a gradual increase in sunlight, adding approximately an hour over the next two months.

This celestial event, caused by Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt, has been celebrated across cultures for millennia. The word “solstice” itself, derived from Latin, signifies the Sun’s apparent pause before reversing its movement. Ancient traditions, from the Roman festival of Saturnalia to the Hopi Soyal Ceremony, have influenced modern celebrations like Christmas and Hanukkah. Stonehenge, aligning perfectly with the sun on this day, also sees significant gatherings. From Antarctica’s midwinter celebrations to Scandinavia’s St. Lucia’s Day, the solstice continues to be a time of renewal and festivity globally.

**(Separate unrelated news item):** Haryana’s five-time Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala, was cremated today with full state honors at his Sirsa farmhouse. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were among the dignitaries in attendance.

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