Context:
UN declares December 21 as World Meditation Day.
World Meditation Day:
- Introduced by Liechtenstein and co-sponsored by India, the resolution was unanimously adopted by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly.
- Aim – The day is dedicated to promoting comprehensive human well-being, encompassing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions.
- Significance of December 21 –
- Winter Solstice – This date marks the beginning of Uttarayana, an auspicious period for inner reflection in Indian tradition.
- Complementary Date – December 21 is exactly 6 months after June 21, which is celebrated as the International Day of Yoga, coinciding with the Summer Solstice.
Winter Solstice:
- Solstice refers to either of the 2 occasions in the year when the sun is directly above either the furthest point north (June 21) or the furthest point south of the equator (December 22) that it ever reaches.
- These are the times in the year, in the middle of the summer or winter, when there are the longest hours of day or night.
- The term “solstice” comes from the Latin word meaning “stalled sun.”
- Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Also known as the “first day of winter” in the Northern Hemisphere or “Hiemal solstice” and “Hibernal solstice.”
- Known as Uttarayana in Vedic tradition
- Astronomical Position – During this time, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the Sun, and the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° south latitude).
- Seasonal Reversal – On June 21, the situation reverses, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing the longest day and the Southern Hemisphere the shortest day, which is refereed to as the Summer Solstice
- Geographic Explanation – The varying lengths of days are due to the Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5° relative to its orbital plane.
- This tilt, combined with the Earth’s rotation and orbit, causes differences in sunlight duration at different locations.
Read more about Solstices and Equinox
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) First half of the month of June
(b) Second half of the month of June
(c) First half of the month of July
(d) Second half of the month of July
Answer: (b)