Tags: Tarot Card Readers , New Delhi , Fortune Tellers

New Delhi, Jan 4: When disasters strike whether in the form of terror attacks or stock market crash its only the almighty that people look up to for solace. And there is no better way of knowing what the gods have in store than going to astrologer.

"Nowadays, not only business class or celebrities but even people who earn far less come to know the fate. They take it as a one-time investment. The trend has seen increase from last year after mayhem at the bourses and terror attacks," says numerologist Neeraj Mancchanda.

The feeling of insecurity after global meltdown and number of terror attacks has resulted in the surge in the increased demand of priests, astrologers or numerologists, say fortune tellers.

Usually every year-end is good for business and there is increase in number of visitors to his office, Mancchanda says, "This year it is more than expected. And most of them are concerned about monetary gains. People who have lost money in stock market are coming in numbers." Ram Pandey, a priest, brandishes his hi-tech mobile phone and minces no words in suggesting his clients to seek blessings of the almighty to keep evil forces at bay.

Pandey, who hails from a small town in Bihar, says that the first day of every new year brings good money from his regular clients. The offerings on the first day of the year ranges from Rs 101 - 5000 depending upon the economic condition of the client, he adds.

Psychiatrist Samir Parikh says that the last year 'market blues' have contributed alot in people visiting to sacred places or psychiatrists.

"Being religious and clinical are both different things. Even we don't tell anyone to stop believing in numerology or astrology. When people think they are left with no option, they try different things. Our reports clearly indicate increase in the number of registrations comparing last year," Parikh says.

In the US, the online astrology market accounted for nearly USD 100 million annually according to a survey done in 2006. Today it accounts for nearly USD 200 million annually. In India itself, this business was estimated to be around Rs 10,000 crore in 2006. Today the market potential is estimated to be around Rs 40,000 crore.

Aaarti, an astrologer, who runs a small office in west Delhi says people are increasingly becoming aware of 'Graha' and 'Nakshatra' and especially on New Year they are curious to know about future.

"I am getting frequent calls from clients. My hands are full. According to the time and date of birth, I tell them what to do and what not," she says. She charges Rs 251 to read or make horoscope.

So why does she charges so much money if it is for a noble cause? "If I stop taking my fees, noboby would believe me," she says.

Social activist Swami Agnivesh attributes the rising faith in fortune tellers to hype created by media through different programmes.

"Overexposure in the media of these gurus has led to an increase in their demand. These people are spreading superstitions. If astrology which predicts the future ahead with the help of the first letter of a person's name, how does it explain the different types of deaths of the evil Kansa and Lord Krishna or also Lord Ram and Ravana."

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