Name: Winter Solstice 2026
Start: 2026-06-21T05:31:00+05:30
Location: New Delhi

Year

2026

Day Length

13h 59m

Shortest daylight of the year — Uttarayana begins

Peak Solstice

05:31 AM

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Sunrise

05:23

Solar Noon

12:22

77.5° Alt

Sunset

19:22

Sun's Path

Sunrise

05:23

Noon

12:22

77.5° Alt.

Sunset

19:22

Total Daylight Duration

13h 59m

Understanding the Winter Solstice

Astronomical Event

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.

Uttarayana Connection

In Vedic tradition, this period marks Uttarayana (Sun's northward journey), considered highly auspicious. This is when spiritual practices are believed to bear maximum fruit.

Festival of Light

Cultures worldwide celebrate the return of light during this time. After the solstice, days begin to lengthen, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter Solstice 2026 occurs on December 21-22, with the exact moment depending on your timezone. For New Delhi, the precise date and time are shown above. This marks the astronomical moment when the Sun reaches its southernmost point, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees South latitude.