Maternity homes and private wards are booked to capacity, hotels have planned special events, parties are being held at almost every available venue and all marriage and banquets halls have no vacancy boards put up.
This mad frenzy is for Wednesday — 12.12.12 — the magical date that seems to be catching everyone’s fancy.
“People seem to be fascinated by the numerical similarity on this date and mothers-to-be who are completing their pregnancy term, want to deliver their babies on this date. Some are even determined to prepone their delivery date and opt for a caesarean delivery so that their child can be born on 12.12.12. It may sound ridiculous to many but sometimes we have to bow to pressures too,” says a leading gynaecologist who has 11 deliveries lined up for Wednesday in her plush nursing home.
Prerna Kumar, a young mother-to-be, is one among the many who want their child to be born on this date. “Why not give my child a birth date that will remain unique all his or her life? At least, the child will have something to be proud of always,” she reasons.
Astrologers feel that the 12.12.12. date will prove auspicious because of the power of Jupiter and this will make those born on this date mentally agile, witty and successful.
Meanwhile, a large number of marriages are also lined up for this date. “When the family priest gave us a choice of auspicious dates for our wedding, we instantly opted for 12.12.12. because it sounded so magical,” says Shrishti Lal whose wedding is scheduled for Wednesday too.
The celebration frenzy for this date has led to all marriage and banquet halls being fully booked, leaving no chance for late comers. “By January 2012, maximum number of bookings had been locked because people did not wish to take chances. Some wedding venues have even charged a premium rate for this date and customers have willingly obliged,” said Seema Shukla, the owner of a marriage lawn. For those who do not have a marriage or a child birth in the family, there is still a reason to celebrate. 12. 12. 12. parties are being organised by local five star hotels and resorts where people can regale themselves with good food.