Summer Solstice 2025: Is June 20 or 21 Longest Day of the Year? When is it and What it means

When summer arrives at its peak, the world witnesses a special astrophysical phenomenon called the summer solstice—the longest daylight in a day. In India, it is not only a scientific phenomenon but also carries cultural and astrological importance. Read along to know more what summer solstice signifies for India in 2025 when it occurs and why it is important.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The summer solstice is the precise moment when the Sun is at its most direct position in the sky at midday for the Northern Hemisphere. This is due to the Earth's North Pole tilting nearest to the Sun, resulting in the Sun's rays shining in a more direct line on this side of the globe. This results in us having the longest day and shortest night of the year.

The term "solstice" is derived from Latin—sol for Sun and sistere for to stand still. It refers to the period when the Sun appears to stand still in its course before reversing direction.

When is the Summer Solstice in India in 2025?

In 2025, India's summer solstice is on Saturday, June 21, which will be at 8:11 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) precisely. Sunrise on June 21 in New Delhi will be at 5:24 AM and sunset at 7:22 PM, which will be the longest day of the year for India.

Why Does the Date Change?

The summer solstice is not always on the same date in every year. Generally, it happens between June 20 and June 21. This is because the Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to orbit the Sun, but our calendar year is 365 days. The additional quarter day counts up, so the solstice changes a little bit every year and leap years correct this difference.

What Happens During the Summer Solstice?

• The Sun rises and sets at its northernmost extremes on the horizon.

• Daylight hours are maximum for the year.

• The Sun is vertically overhead at noon on the Tropic of Cancer, which runs through India.

• Following the solstice, days begin to shorten and nights extend.

Cultural and Astrological Significance in India

In Hindu astrology, the summer solstice is referred to as Tropical Dakshinayana. It defines the Sun's apparent shift towards the south. Yet, conventionally, in the Indian calendar, the beginning of Dakshinayana is demarcated from Karka Sankranti, which occurs a few weeks later. From a spiritual viewpoint, the time following the solstice is less auspicious for initiating new enterprises, or Asurakal.

Why is the Summer Solstice Important?

Summer solstice marks the official beginning of summer in India and most of the Northern Hemisphere. It's the time when nature enthusiasts, farmers, and people from many communities mark the onset of the change of seasons. Across the globe, people greet this day with celebrations, rituals, and get-togethers to celebrate the Sun and the richness of nature.

The summer solstice is a reminder of our planet's trip around the Sun and the lovely cycle of seasons. June 21, 2025, will be the longest day of the year in India—ideal for basking in the sunshine and discovering the wonders of our world