12-12-12: Moon comes in way of special date for tying knot

A special day that is also the last sequential date of the century (12/12/12), has lost some of its spark, with the usual clamour missing for couples to tie the knot on such special dates. The unique and special date has not found any favour with those who have weddings lined up this month, as seen from Mangal Karyalayas in the city where there were no bookings for weddings or engagements for Wednesday.

"There are no wedding bookings for Wednesday. Even though the date is special, we have not received any advance bookings for auspicious events like weddings or engagements. The reason: amavasya started on Tuesday and will carry on till Wednesday," said Varsha Dadamikar, manager, Manohar Mangal Karyalaya in Erandwane. "Most people find it unlucky to start something new and important on amavasya," she added.

Restaurants, however, are hoping to do brisk business on the special day. The date is special and marks the last sequential date for the next 88 years but the new moon has tarnished it.

Shruti Mangal Karyalay on Apte Road in Shivaji Nagar is facing the same situation. They have no events booked for Wednesday. "People are more inclined to believe in the astronomical value of the day. There are no mahurats during the day and dates for Hindu weddings are selected only on the basis of specific mahurat," said Vinayak Karjekar, owner, Shruti Mangal Karyalaya. "People will be shortlisting dates towards the month-end as the period is auspicious for wedding mahurats," Karjekar added.

On a different beat, restaurants in the city are geared up for the special date. While Khandani Rajdhani on Junglee Maharaj Road is offering a free thali meal, Mad Over Donuts will woo customers with its buy-twelve-get-twelve special offer.

"Any person whose birthday falls on the 12th of any month can avail a free thali meal. If the person is accompanied by friends or family, they get a 12 per cent discount. A free thali will also be given to any person whose cellphone number ends with 12," said Namdev Jadhav, cashier, Khandani Rajdhani.

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