India is preparing to celebrate a special milestone, 20 years of Earth Hour with one of the country’s biggest-ever participation drives. Today, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, major landmarks across the nation will switch off their lights to show support for the planet and raise awareness about climate change.
Organised annually by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour began in 2007 as a symbolic “lights-off” event in Sydney, Australia, and has since grown into one of the world’s greatest grassroots environmental efforts, uniting millions of people, businesses, and monuments in more than 190 countries and territories. According to WWF-India, cities from north to south and east to west are joining hands in this symbolic one-hour blackout. Famous Landmarks Across India Join the Movement In Delhi, several iconic sites will go dark, including Akshardham, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar, and Safdarjung Tomb. Mumbai will participate through landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. In Karnataka, the grand Mysore Palace will switch off its lights, while Shanti Stupa in Ladakh will also join the effort. Kerala will see participation from the Kerala Legislative Assembly and Kanakakunnu Palace. Meanwhile, Telangana will contribute several important sites, including the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, State Museum, Golconda Fort, Raj Bhavan, Charminar, and the famous Buddha Statue on Tank Bund. Kolkata, Chennai, and more cities step forward In Kolkata, landmarks like Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge), Vidyasagar Setu, Victoria Memorial, Tata Centre, Lok Bhawan, and Victoria House will dim their lights. Rajasthan’s Monsoon Palace will also support the cause. In Chennai, well-known buildings such as the Ripon Building, Victoria Public Hall, and Napier Bridge will participate in the switch-off. Why this Earth Hour matters This year’s Earth Hour is especially meaningful as it marks two decades of global climate awareness and action. India’s large-scale participation highlights its growing commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. Experts say Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights for an hour. It reminds people that small actions like saving energy, supporting eco-friendly policies, and protecting nature can make a big difference in fighting climate change.
