By the time I finish writing this post, there is a high possibility that your day might have already ended. That does not mean I’m writing at the pace of a tortoise, but merely because today, 21 December, is the shortest day of the year – #WinterSolstice is here.
(So why am I still at work then? )
Anyhoo…
What’s Winter Solstice? It simply means the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun. And while the actual winter began a few weeks ago, according to astronomers, it signifies the beginning of astronomical winter. Well, happy first day of winter! I can honestly say I’m already one of the first victims of December ki sardi.
While the daylight hours on 21 December might be limited, but it’s the beginning of an iconic day for many.
To start with, the shortest day of the year also happens to be the grand reception of the newlyweds, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, in Delhi. And it looks like their reception might kick off early, 'cause the sun sets earlier than usual today. And Delliwalles are ready to raise their Patiala pegs to give theirashirward to the jodi of the year.
So this means, the shortest day of the year would probably have the longest traffic jam outside the venue, with the who’s who attending the mega affair, including, maybe, Prime Minister Modi too. If there is any khalli jagah left on the road, it would soon be packed by TRP-driven OB vans, who would want to be the first to flash that breaking news ticker on their screens.
Talking about breaking news, something extraordinary happened in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar made use of the shortest day and gave his debut speech in Rajya Sabha after being nominated in 2012. But little did Tendulkar realise that hitting Shoaib Akhtar for a straight drive was much easier than trying to speak in a Parliament session (especially if it’s your maiden innings). The cricketer got out in duck as the Congress party members disrupted the House proceedings. Aila, better luck next time.
And today couldn’t be a luckier day for A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi. With only 7 hours, 49 minutes and 44 seconds of daylight, the special Court wasted no time and pronounced the verdict in the 2G Spectrum scam, which acquitted the former telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi.
It’s been a pretty hectic day for Tamil Nadu. TN will not just prepare for homecoming of A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi, but its capital Chennai’s RK Nagar is voting to fill the vacant seat of late J Jayalalithaa.
Phew! The shortest day has already exhausted me, the RK Nagar voters, A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi. It’s time to snuggle up in your blanket and enjoy the long night with some Virat and Anushka’s wedding reception coverage.
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)