It’s nearly impossible to imagine what it would be like if all the city lights were to go out for a day. But, with rising urban towers and endless construction in Mumbai, the need to reconnect with nature feels ever more necessary. While sometimes individual efforts seem wary in front of the global climate crisis, every drop in the ocean counts. On March 28, 192 countries, including India, are set to switch off their lights for Earth Hour. Founded in 2007 by WWF, Earth Hour is an annual global event to help raise awareness for the climate crisis. This year, yet again, Earth Hour in India invites both, individuals and businesses, to switch off non-essential lights for just an hour to do their bit for the planet.
Earth Hour Celebrations in India
WWF (The World Wide Fund for Nature) is a non-profit organisation focusing on the preservation of forests, wildlife, and the reduction of human impact on nature. Famously recognised by its adorable panda logo, Earth Hour remains one of its key annual initiatives. Started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, and continues to gain supporters over the years. This year, on March 28, it will be celebrated from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM in India, creating the “Biggest Hour for Earth”.
Over 190 countries, territories, and key public figures have pledged their support to Earth this year. As Earth Hour celebrates 20 years in 2026, WWF has partnered to bring musical support with an anthem composed by Shantanu Moitra. Providing vocals for the anthem are Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Siddharth Mahadevan, and Maahi Mukherji. Uniting Bollywood’s respected voices, the anthem is a cultural and emotional call to action in a shared mission of responsibility. A host of landmarks, including Delhi’s India Gate, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and BMC Building, will switch off their lights in solidarity. Beyond India, global landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, the United Nations building in New York, and Budapest City Lights have previously taken part in Earth Hour’s iconic switch-off moment.
How to participate in Earth Hour 2026 in India
Earth Hour serves as a reminder of the sheer power each individual holds in making a sustainable change. And, a remembrance that no effort is small. All you have to do is switch off your lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 PM. WWF also recommends a plethora of activities that one can partake in to reconnect with nature and drive climate action. You can participate in nature trails, cyclothons, attend a plant-based cooking class, or simply pick an outdoor activity for digital detox. You can also do something simple yet impactful, like signing a petition or beach cleaning.
Earth Hour is a moment of unity bringing the world together to highlight the need for urgent climate action. WWF asks for just an hour of your time to give to nature to reset.
For more information and to stay up-to-date on all the latest, click here to visit Earth Hour’s website. Or you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (X).