Earth Hour Day

Date shown for 2026 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized as of September 2025.

Earth Hour Day History

Earth Hour Day seeks to raise awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable energy consumption. This annual observance fosters worldwide commitment towards the conservation of our planet. Participation involves a symbolic act of switching off non-essential lights for one hour to denote solidarity with the cause. Furthermore, Earth Hour Day stresses upon proactive environmental actions and encourages each individual to reduce their ecological footprint.

The journey of Earth Hour Day started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 under the guidance of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). In India, this event has successfully leveraged collective environmental consciousness over the years. Earth Hour Day is especially significant in light of India's growing energy demand and environmental concerns such as air pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation. This observance augments India's ongoing efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources and promotes sustainable living practices, thereby addressing some of India's key environmental challenges.

In India, the observance of Earth Hour Day is marked by numerous activities and public events. Iconic landmarks across India, from Gateway of India in Mumbai to India Gate in Delhi, switch off their lights for an hour, contributing to the massive worldwide power-saving movement. Additionally, various NGOs and environmental groups host events and initiatives to engage the community. The nationwide observance comes together on the last Saturday of March every year between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM local time, joining nations across the world in a show of unity for the betterment of our planet.

Facts about Earth Hour Day

• The theme for Earth Hour Day in 2025 was Create the Biggest Hour for Earth, in 2024 it was #BiggestHourForEarth, and in 2023 the theme was Invest in Our Planet.
• 
  Earth Hour Day in 2025 was held Saturday, March 22rd, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time.
• The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world - Bill Vaughan
• Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Each year, the event sees the participation of millions of people across India who switch off their lights for an hour to show solidarity towards the cause.
• Notable monuments and landmarks in the country, such as the Gateway of India in Mumbai, India Gate in Delhi and Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, participate in the movement by shutting down their lights during the said hour.

In the News and Trending in India for Earth Hour Day

Top things to do in India for Earth Hour Day

• Gather your friends for a candlelight workout and burn some calories along with those candles. In your down time, think on ways you can bring your commitment to climate action beyond Earth Hour.
• Hundreds of the world’s most iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building, to the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House participate in Earth Hour. This year, take a walk around your town or city and try to see which buildings switched off their lights for the planet.
• Join in on Star Gazing Events: In some areas, people gather at local parks or open spaces to watch the stars during Earth Hour. This is a popular and peaceful way to observe this day.
• Read a book to learn more about Earth Hour in India:
  Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for the Planet - by Nanette Heffernan
  Lights Out!: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath by Ted Koppel