On December 21, 2024, India, along with other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, experienced the winter solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year. This astronomical event marks the point when the North Pole is tilted farthest from the Sun, resulting in reduced daylight hours.

In India, the solstice occurred precisely at 2:49 PM IST. On this day, Kolkata witnessed sunrise at 6:26 AM and sunset at 5:11 PM, totaling approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes of daylight. This is notably shorter compared to the average day length of about 12 hours.

The winter solstice holds significant cultural and historical importance worldwide. In various cultures, it symbolizes the rebirth of the Sun and is celebrated with festivals and rituals. For instance, thousands gather at Stonehenge in the United Kingdom to observe the sunrise during the solstice, despite often overcast skies. This tradition dates back to Neolithic times, reflecting the monument's alignment with the solstices.

In India, while the solstice doesn't correspond with major festivals, it signifies the onset of longer days and shorter nights, influencing agricultural practices and seasonal activities. The increased daylight following the solstice is crucial for the growth of winter crops, impacting the agricultural calendar.

Understanding the science behind the solstice involves Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees. As Earth orbits the Sun, this tilt causes varying sunlight distribution across the planet, leading to seasonal changes. During the winter solstice, the Sun's rays are directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, resulting in shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere and longer days in the Southern Hemisphere.

Following the solstice, days gradually become longer, leading up to the summer solstice in June, which marks the longest day of the year. This gradual increase in daylight is often associated with renewal and hope, as communities anticipate the warmer and brighter days ahead.

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