Leap in joy

Sheetal

It’s leap year this time and leaplings-those born on this day-get to celebrate their birthday once in four years. So, it better be special. Walking through this authentic intercalary date is almost like walking through a rare portal that is only accessible to us every four years.

What amazed Payal Ramchandani, a Kuchipudi dancer, is the inability of friends and distant relatives to decide when to wish her. She says, “Most people keep wondering when to wish me, whether on the 28th Feb or the 1st of March. I enjoy a double celebration on both days. My birthday is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past years and how I have evolved since the last time.”

Neelu Batta’s family and friends pull out all the stops every four years to make it an out of the world experience for her. She says, “In 2016, my husband and I went to Srinagar to celebrate my birthday. This year also they are doing something special but I don’t know what it’s yet.”

Her daughter Gayatri has bought earrings and says her brother will be here from Chennai to surprise mom. What about no leap years? Neelu says, “Then we do regular celebrations like going out for dinners.”

“We are three siblings but since my birthday comes after four long years, so I was given most importance. And I enjoy all the attention,” says Jai Raghunandan, a practising advocate.

For Sofea Sethi, a teacher, the celebration starts six months ahead. “I am always excited about birthdays and it means grand parties. Earlier my parents used to hold Akhand Path at our house. I get so many wishes thanks to the easily-remembered date and a month.” She has already cut a cake once, got an iPhone 11 and diamond earrings. She has also bought 10 dresses for different parties she is going to throw this time.

Tracing history

In 5th Century Ireland, St. Brigid started a tradition where the lady was allowed to propose to a man on the leap-year day. In Scotland, an unmarried Queen Margaret apparently enacted a law in 1288 allowing women to propose on leap-year day. Monica and Chandler, Penny and Leonard, Lily and Marshall and so many more, what they have in common are the girls made the first move. Indarpreet Kaur, student at Panjab University, says “I don’t agree with the idea of waiting around for the man to profess his love for you. If you feel strongly for someone, then it is your rights to let that person know.”

“If you love someone and want to marry them, do it. Why sit around waiting or worrying about what others think? I proposed to Amrit and I am glad that I did. I had the courage to ask for what my heart demands” says Priyanka Vimal, CA.

With inputs by Shraddha Solanki

Vibration of numbers

Astrologer Madan Gupta Spatu says, “Even though we have a 29 in every month, the 29th of February (2) is a rare combination of numbers and therefore a rare energy to experience. In numerology, 2 is the number of pursuing your purpose. It carries a feminine energy that helps bring our ideas into the physical world.”

Many numerologists also believe that since the 29th of February has such a rare vibration, it causes a type of ripple effect within us. This ripple almost creates an opportunity for us to “leap” forward. Celebrity astrologer, P. Khurrana explains, “It is the best day to do some philanthropy and donate something white.” From an astrological perspective, it is interesting that a leap day falls under the sign of Pisces. The energy and essence of Pisces is truly about connecting with our deeper consciousness, emotions and spirituality. Spatu says, “To make best use of the leap day, assess where you would like to devote more time and energy for something and send your intentions out into the universe.”

If you ask P Khurrana, he says, “From a numerological point, 29 breaks down to 2, (2+9=11; 1+1=2), which is known in many new age spiritual communities as a number of awakening and spiritual enlightenment.”