2024 being a Leap Year, the extra day in 2024 stirs conversations in Bangalore, blending fears of the past with hopes for balance
Leap Year musings
As the globe embraced the leap into 2024, discussions on the Leap Year phenomenon stole the spotlight. Just five days into the New Year and the atmosphere is already charged with anticipation and curiosity about the unfolding possibilities of the extra day.
In Bangalore, the city’s vibrant online community has become a breeding ground for various conspiracy theories related to Leap Years, albeit fuelled by our often-unreliable Internet.
Amidst the usual social media noise, a handful of theories however, have managed to rise above the chatter, with one, in particular, casting a spotlight on the apprehension of a recurring pandemic.
Recalling the disruptive events of 2020, which was also a Leap Year, some individuals expressed apprehension about a potential repetition.
Piyush Bhardwaj, a 23-year-old IT professional, couldn’t shake off the memories of the previous Leap Year.
“In 2020, a leap year, the pandemic affected everyone. By the end of 2023, a new variant led to concerns. Now, with 2024 also being a leap year, there’s skepticism about potential challenges. My sincere hope and prayer are that the world will not have to endure another wave of the endemic,” he opines.
On a contrasting note, Radhika Gupta, a private tutor residing in Indiranagar, found a silver lining in the Leap Year narrative.
A social media post caught her attention, suggesting that the sum of 2024 equals eight, symbolising balance in one’s materialistic life.
“I found a video discussing the significance of 2024 equating to the number eight, symbolising balance in one’s materialistic life. Seeking career equilibrium, having been a private tutor, I aspire for a full-time job. The video has instilled hope that this year may favourably shape my path,” said the Indranagar resident.
Seeking clarity on the mystical significance of the number eight, Our Bangalore turned to numerologist Rajesh Shukla, a seasoned expert in the field.
According to Shukla, 2024 holds significance as Saturn, associated with the number eight, becomes the ruling planet.
“While it’s accurate that the number symbolises balance, individuals must tread cautiously and thoroughly research their choices before embarking on any venture. A misstep can lead to a feeling of being stuck, given that eight is a slow-moving number. Those seeking stability or balance in the materialistic realm will find it, but prudence in decision-making is key,” he cautioned.
As the people of Bangalore ushered in the Leap New Year, a mix of skepticism, hope, and superstitions painted the canvas of their thoughts, making the extra day of 2024 a subject of intrigue and contemplation.
Leap into global cultures, where calendars tell unique ‘leap-yearly’ tales
Jewish Calendar
Shanah Me’uberet: A Pregnant Year
In the Jewish calendar, a leap year with 13 months occurs seven times in a 19-year cycle. Known as Shanah Me’uberet, it ensures synchronization with the solar year by incorporating an additional month.
Hindu Calendar
Complex Leap Mechanisms
The Hindu calendar integrates both lunar and solar reckoning. Leap months and leap days are added or omitted throughout the year, following complex rules that vary by region, distinguishing it from the regularity of the Gregorian leap day.
Islamic Calendar
Observational Lunar Time
The traditional Islamic calendar relies on lunar observation, devoid of leap years. However, a rule-based version, the Tabular Islamic calendar, includes leap years. The lunar months align with Moon phases without employing correction mechanisms like leap days.
Chinese Calendar
Leap Months in Lunar Time
Adding a leap month every three years, the Chinese calendar follows a lunar pattern. The decision is based on counting new moons between the 11th month of one year and the 11th month of the next.
Persian Calendar
Observational Accuracy in Solar Hijri
The Solar Hijri calendar, used in Iran and Afghanistan, doesn’t follow fixed mathematical rules for leap years. It aligns with astronomical seasons, with leap years determined by the actual timing of the vernal equinox.
Bahá’í Calendar
Five Extra Days Every Four Years
In the Bahá’í calendar, a leap year involves adding five extra days between the last two months. Rule changes in 2015 now link the number of intercalary days to the timing of the Vernal Equinox, occurring roughly every four years.
Ethiopian Calendar
Solar Leap Every Four Years
The Ethiopian calendar introduces a leap year every four years, adding an extra day to the last month. Comprising 13 months, it aligns with the solar (tropical) year, akin to the historical roots shared with the Gregorian and Julian calendars.