Current time in Delhi

Delhi is the only megacity in the world where the sunrise time is determined not by its longitude but by a political decision in Calcutta in 1906 to standardize all of India's time.

Delhi's famous winter fog — the 'Delhi fog' — is so thick it frequently delays flights and makes golden hour last for hours. The diffused light through smog creates an otherworldly amber glow.

Cricket matches in Delhi are famously affected by the dew that falls after sunset. Evening golden hour means bowlers can grip the ball cleanly — after dark the dew ruins everything.

From the top of the Qutub Minar — built in 1193 — people have been watching the sun rise over Delhi for over 800 years. The tower was designed to track the sun's position.

Delhi's Diwali celebrations are timed precisely to the darkest night of the lunar calendar — astronomically timed, not just by the clock. Delhi has always been in conversation with the sky.

Delhi is technically ahead of its solar time — the sun peaks at about 12:30 PM solar noon, but clocks say noon is at 12:00 PM. The whole country runs slightly fast relative to the sun.