Winter Solstice Marks Shortest Day of the Year Across Nepal

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Winter Solstice Marks Shortest Day of the Year Across Nepal

Winter Solstice Marks Shortest Day of the Year Across Nepal

Ecosphere News Desk 2025-12-21 18:57:59

Kathmandu, December 21 - Nepal experienced the shortest day of the year on Saturday as the winter solstice occurred in the Northern Hemisphere, an astronomical event that marks the point when the Sun reaches its southernmost position relative to the Earth.
According to astronomical observations, the average length of daylight across Nepal today stood at 10 hours and 23 minutes, making it the shortest day and longest night of the year for the country.
The duration of daylight varied slightly by latitude. Kechana Kawal in Jhapa, Nepal’s southernmost point located at 26.37° north latitude, recorded the longest daylight among the mentioned locations at 10 hours and 25 minutes. In contrast, Limpiyadhura of Darchula, situated at 32.27° north latitude, experienced a day length of 10 hours and 23 minutes, reflecting the impact of Nepal’s north-south geographic spread.
In Kathmandu, daylight also lasted 10 hours and 23 minutes. The sun rose at 6:49 am and is set to set at 5:13 pm, confirming the minimal daylight duration for the capital this year.
The winter solstice occurs annually around December 21 or 22 due to the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun. While it signals the onset of the coldest phase of winter, it also marks a turning point in the solar cycle.
From Sunday onward, daylight hours will gradually increase each day, even though temperatures are expected to remain low for several weeks due to seasonal climatic patterns.
The winter solstice has long been observed across cultures as a significant natural phenomenon, symbolising the gradual return of longer days and increased sunlight in the months ahead.

Published Date 2025-12-21 18:57:59